A case of intraocular invasion by basal cell carcinoma of the eyelid

A 79-year-old female underwent surgical removal of basal cell carcinoma in the lateral aspect of the left lower eyelid. Histological studies showed mixed presence of solid and morphea types of basal cell carcinoma. The tumor reccurred 4 years later and had to be treated by surgical extirpation and radiation. Left orbital exenteration was performed 15 months later for orbital invasion. Histological studies showed tumor invasion to the ciliary body through the sclerocorneal limbus, episcleral veins, Schlemm's canal and trabecular meshwork. While basal cell carcinoma grows slowly and behaves in a relatively nonaggressive fashion, poorly differentiated basal cell carcinoma, including morphea type, ought to be excised completely at the first operation because of its aggressive behavior.