Extensive Destruction of the Eyeball by Invasion of Basal Cell Carcinoma of the Eyelid

Abstract Background: Eyeball destruction caused by invasion of basal cell carcinoma of the eyelid. Case: A 100-year-old woman showed extensive eyeball destruction caused by the invasion of basal cell carcinoma of the eyelid. Complete ophthalmologic examinations, including computed tomographic (CT) scans of the orbit, were performed. The patient underwent incisional biopsy and bacteriological examination of the exudate from the lesion. Observations: Orbital CT scan showed a mass in the extraconal space of the right orbit, with extension to the adjacent sinus cavity without brain involvement. The remnant of the eyeball was posteriorly displaced. Pseudomonas aeruginosa was identified by culture examination of the exudate. Histological study of the biopsy specimen showed basal cell carcinoma of the noduloulcerative type. Conclusions: Basal cell carcinoma of the eyelid had caused severe periorbital and eyeball destruction.