Clinicopathologic features and new factors affecting constitution of eyelid neoplasms: a 10-year multicentre experience in southern coastal China.

Objective: This study aims to delineate the key characteristics of eyelid neoplasms in central and southern coastal China and to explore potential factors affecting tumour development.

Methods: This was a retrospective, multicentre observational study. In total, 1302 cases of eyelid neoplasms diagnosed in 2 tertiary hospitals were reviewed from January 2013 to May 2023. Histogenesis, pathologic diagnosis, and potential risk factors were investigated, and the findings were compared with data from various regions and countries. Age- and sex-specific incidence rates, time trends, distributions across age groups, and the relationship with the Sociodemographic Index, latitude, and altitude were calculated.

Results: There were 1162 benign (89.2%) and 140 malignant (10.8%) cases, representing 63 pathologic types. The median age of benign cases (50 years) was significantly lower than that of malignant cases (72 years) (P < 0.05). The most common benign and malignant lesions were intradermal nevus (28.83%) and basal cell carcinoma (BCC) (74.29%). A relatively younger median age (68 years) for sebaceous gland carcinoma (SGC) was observed, with a male preponderance (sex ratio 2:1). Analyses of the proportions of BCC, SGC, and squamous cell carcinoma in eyelid malignancies revealed significant regression equations (P < 0.05).

Conclusions: Most eyelid neoplasms are of epithelial and melanocytic origin, with benign tumours being predominant. The regions with greater Sociodemographic Index exhibit a greater incidence of BCC and a lower incidence of squamous cell carcinoma and SGC. BCC appears to have a greater incidence in regions located at higher latitudes.