Palpebral Melanocytoma (Eyelid Melanocytoma)
Disease Description and Clinical Picture
Eyelid melanocytoma is a benign tumor of melanocytes. The tumor is observed as a single or multiple change on the skin, which is small, slow-growing, irregularly shaped, and most commonly hyperpigmented, brown, or almost black in color. The cells that make up the tumor can morphologically vary significantly. Multiple types of cells can be involved in the structure of the tumor, but the cytoplasm of the cells mainly contains larger or smaller amounts of pigment. Some cells may be completely devoid of melanin, complicating diagnosis. It occurs in dogs, while in cats it is extremely rare. It appears in all breeds of dogs, but is somewhat more commonly recorded in Vizslas, miniature Schnauzers, Dobermans, and Airedale terriers.
 
Therapy
It is very important to establish an accurate diagnosis, as melanocytoma and melanoma can morphologically resemble each other, but one is benign while the other is malignant. The diagnosis is made by histopathological examination of the tumor. If they do not cause any disturbance, the lesions can be left and monitored. Otherwise, they can be surgically removed by traditional surgery, cryosurgery, or laser. Recurrence of the tumor is possible, as well as the appearance of new melanocytomas at another location.
 
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