Which eyelid cancer is most likely to metastasize?

Which eyelid cancer is most likely to metastasize?

• A. Basal cell carcinoma
• B. Adenocarcinoma
• C. Squamous cell carcinoma
• D. Melanoma

Answer: (C)

Metastasis risk varies by eyelid tumor type. Basal cell carcinoma is the most common eyelid cancer but rarely spreads beyond local tissues. Adenocarcinoma (often sebaceous carcinoma) is aggressive and can involve regional lymph nodes, yet its overall metastasis rate is typically lower than that of squamous cell carcinoma. Melanoma can metastasize widely, but in this context the histology with the strongest tendency to spread to lymph nodes and beyond among the listed options is squamous cell carcinoma. Its propensity for deeper invasion and perineural involvement makes regional metastasis more likely, so it’s the best answer.

Metastasis risk varies by eyelid tumor type. Basal cell carcinoma is the most common eyelid cancer but rarely spreads beyond local tissues. Adenocarcinoma (often sebaceous carcinoma) is aggressive and can involve regional lymph nodes, yet its overall metastasis rate is typically lower than that of squamous cell carcinoma. Melanoma can metastasize widely, but in this context the histology with the strongest tendency to spread to lymph nodes and beyond among the listed options is squamous cell carcinoma. Its propensity for deeper invasion and perineural involvement makes regional metastasis more likely, so it’s the best answer.