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3700 Joseph Siewick Dr., Suite 400 • Fairfax, VA 22033 (703) 620-4300 • www.eyeplasticmd.com
APRIL 2021
DIAGNOSIS Once a diagnosis is made, the next steps of removal and healing can start. Benign lesions are typically removed and the eyelid is allowed to heal, whereas malignant tumors may require Mohs surgery, performed by a Mohs-trained dermatologist. In these situations, the Mohs surgeon would remove the tumor first thing in the morning in their office suite, then you would be sent to the Fair Oaks Hospital where I would begin the reconstructive process. AVOID SKIN CANCERS The best way to accomplish this is by reducing harmful UV exposure. We can’t reverse what we’ve already been exposed to, but we can prevent future exposure with sunglasses and wide-brimmed hats. Unfortunately, sunscreens can’t be used on the eyelid margin where tumors are most common. If you’ve noticed a growth on your eyelid, I recommend calling my office and scheduling an appointment. I not only offer eyelid examinations, but I also remove most small tumors right in our Fairfax office in our fully equipped minor procedure room. We take care of hundreds of eyelid lesions a year, both benign and malignant. My team and I “As National Cancer Control Month takes place in April, I’m highlighting how you can stay alert to potential dangers and what I can do to help.”
DON’T WAIT
A Thorough Examination Can Save Your Eye
Over the years, I have removed hundreds, if not thousands, of benign and malignant lesions or tumors that appear on the eyelid. As National Cancer Control Month takes place in April, I’m highlighting how you can stay alert to potential dangers and what I can do to help. CLASSIC SIGNS OF EYELID MALIGNANCY The following are common signs that may indicate a cancerous growth: • Slow growing and/or painless lesions; you can’t use pain as an indicator of a benign growth
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Pearly translucent growth
Telangiectasias (diffuse small blood vessels) Irregular pigmentary changes, which is common in melanomas
VARYING TYPES Several different types of skin cancers may cause these symptoms. By far, the most common is basal cell carcinoma, which accounts for over 90% of eyelid cancers. One positive side of this type of skin cancer is that it won’t spread to lymph nodes or other parts of the body; it only continues to grow locally. However, it is still essential to have it diagnosed and removed before it severely damages the critical structure of the eyelid and eye.
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Ulceration, which refers to broken skin on the eyelid that does not heal
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Intermittent bleeding or crusting
A change in the normal eyelid structure, including the loss of eyelashes or the destruction of the lid margin shape and/or oil glands
Other common cancers include:
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Squamous cell carcinoma
Malignant melanoma
Sebaceous gland carcinoma
BENIGN LESIONS Some of the most common types of benign lesions that form on the eyelid are called styes or chalazions. Typically, these are caused by blockage of oil glands. Xanthelasma is another common benign growth that results from an accumulation of cholesterol deposits under the skin. Another common growth is known as seborrheic keratosis, which appears as a stuck-on lesion with no malignant potential. Distinguishing benign and malignant tumors is challenging because, at times, they may not have all the classifying features. This is why it is essential to receive a thorough eyelid examination should you notice any irregularity on your eyelid.
have the tools and experience to take care of you, your family, and your friends.
—Dr. Kevin Scott
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FELINE FRIENDS OR CANINE COMRADES How Pets Improve Our Health and Happiness
FIND THE RIGHT PET Before taking advantage of the many benefits pets offer, it’s crucial to
As people grow older, they’re more likely to find themselves at home with less company. If your family members live far away or you have physical limitations that make it difficult to leave the house, you may be at an increased risk of experiencing loneliness. This is why adopting an animal can be so helpful. Pets offer comfort and love, and many encourage physical activity. Integrating a pet into your life as you grow older can be just what you need to lift your spirit and keep you healthy. THE BENEFITS OF PET OWNERSHIP A lack of purpose can take a significant toll, but the sense of duty pet owners have around caring for their animals helps them avoid this. The daily tasks of feeding, playing with, and walking your animal can help provide structure and bring meaning to your life. They also give you something to look forward to each day. What’s better than waking up or coming home to a wagging tail or loud meow? This is how pets help improve their owners’ mental and physical health. Studies also show that those who care for pets have less stress and lower blood pressure and cholesterol than their petless counterparts. You’re also more likely to maintain a daily exercise routine. Humans have an innate need to be social, and without someone to talk to regularly, our mental well-being can start to deteriorate. Pets may not be the best conversation partners, but they may increase your social activity. Walking a dog to a local park every day, for example, can provide an opportunity for you to interact with other people. If you live alone, this simple activity can increase your social circle and improve your mental health.
consider which pet is right for you. Doing research can help answer important questions about which animals might be a good fit for you and your lifestyle and which aren’t. Finding a perfect match may take some time, but once that connection is made, there is nothing that will bring more joy into both of your lives.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has a list of questions that will help guide you to the perfect pet. Take a look at CDC.gov/healthypets .
100-plus stitches in her face removed, Dr. Scott came in on a Saturday to see Gwyn. She’s since visited the office every few months, and each time, she feels reassured about how things have healed. Gwyn says he took a lot of pictures because he was so amazed with how it looked and that her friends “can’t tell [she] ever had a procedure.” She’s also thankful to her dermatologist for recommending her to Dr. Scott. “I don’t know how I would have found another ocular plastic surgeon who could have done this.” Not only did Gwyn originally fear losing her sight or her eye, but she also worried about being disfigured by the procedure to remove the cancerous tissue. However, Dr. Scott helped ensure that neither of those things happened. Gwyn says to “put your faith and your trust in Dr. Scott. He’s going to be with you throughout the entire process. He’s going to be there the whole time that you need him and he’ll treat you like you’re his only patient.” PATIENT STORY OF THE MONTH: GWYN
Our wonderful and brave patient Gwyn was referred to us by her dermatologist after a routine checkup led to a biopsy and subsequent diagnosis of a basal cell carcinoma (skin cancer) near the inside corner of her left eye. After her consultation with Dr. Scott, the dermatologist was set to perform Mohs surgery to remove the affected layers of skin containing the eyelid skin cancer, after which Gwyn was scheduled to see Dr. Scott for reconstructive surgery. Gwyn was understandably anxious about the surgery, but she said that Dr. Scott and Dawn were wonderful and helped ease her worry with reassuring words and by answering every question she had. The Mohs surgery took place in April 2018. These often take 2–3 times to surgically remove the affected area, but Gwyn says it took six times to get a clear margin around the tumor. Dr. Scott was patiently waiting for Gwyn at the hospital following the Mohs procedure, which took a few hours longer than anticipated.
The team at Eye Plastic Associates is proud to work with and help wonderful patients like Gwyn each day.
After Dr. Scott completed his reconstructive procedure, Gwyn’s husband took her home to rest up and heal. When it came time to have the
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WHAT IS A CHALAZION?
When one or more of the oil glands in your eyelid become blocked, they are supposed to shut down and stop producing oil; however, some inflamed oil glands leak oil beneath the skin, causing a stye or chalazion to form. A stye, or hordeolum, is a painful and inflamed lump that forms on the eyelid near the blocked oil gland. Whereas a chalazion is when the inflamed area is further from the eyelid margin but is not infected. The body views this collection of oil as alien and thus tries to wall off the area from the rest of the body. This, then, results in the round lump we see. TREATMENTS To remove the chalazion or stye, we first try natural treatments such as warm compresses, gentle massage along the eyelid margin, and time. A patient should never try to pop these lesions because it will cause the oil to spread to other parts of the eyelid, creating a larger problem. However, sometimes they can spontaneously drain, which is why we always want to give
them a little time to improve on their own. If the chalazion becomes seriously inflamed, there might be a bacterial component and we give our patients antibiotics. If these standard forms of treatment do not resolve the inflammatory lesion after a month or so, patients will need to come into our office for a professional draining. DEVELOPMENT Common questions we’re asked about chalazia are: Why me? Why now? Chalazia are most common in people with inflammatory conditions such as chronic blepharitis, acne rosacea, and seborrhea. Yet, a chalazion can occur without any of these conditions. Unfortunately, once one appears, more may follow. Many of our patients have experienced several more styes or chalazions after their first was successfully treated and drained. In
fact, Dr. Scott reflects that he once treated a man who had eight chalazia on a single eyelid.
PREVENTIVE MEASURES Keeping your eyelids clean is one of the best methods to avoid developing these inflamed lumps. Washing your face regularly can help with this, but using an eye scrub across the eyelids can also effectively clear the skin. In patients with a condition called blepharitis (inflamed eyelid margins), Ocusoft is a wonderful and common over-the-counter product to use for this purpose. Additionally, increasing omega-3 in your diet (fish, flax seeds, flax seed oils, and walnuts) and reducing unhealthy vegetable oils that are high in omega-6 is also recommended. If you develop a stye or a chalazion on your eyelid, make sure to call our office to schedule an examination today.
Have a Laugh
Inspired by ThisSavoryVegan.com Vegan Potato Salad
Prep for barbecue season by perfecting this delicious vegan-friendly side dish!
“I don’t mean to brag, but I put together a puzzle in one day and the box said 2–4 years.”
INGREDIENTS
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1 1/2 lbs potatoes, any type 1 cup plant-based mayonnaise
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3/4 cup celery, chopped 3 green onions, chopped 1 kosher dill pickle, chopped Salt and pepper to taste
2 tbsp white vinegar 1 tbsp yellow mustard
DIRECTIONS
1. In a large pot, add the potatoes and cover with water. On high heat, bring potatoes to a boil, then lower to a simmer. Cook until tender. 2. Drain the water and let potatoes sit for 15 minutes. 3. In a large bowl, combine mayonnaise, vinegar, mustard, celery, green onions, pickle, salt, and pepper. Place in the refrigerator until ready for use. 4. Once the potatoes cool, slice them into 1-inch pieces. 5. Add the potatoes to the dressing and mix gently to avoid mashing the potatoes. 6. Add more salt and pepper to taste. 7. Cool the dish for 1 hour before serving.
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3700 Joseph Siewick Dr., Suite 400 • Fairfax, VA 22033 (703) 620-4300 • www.eyeplasticmd.com
Inside This Issue
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Cancerous Growths on the Eyelid: Stay Aware
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Caring for Pets Brings Health and Happiness
Patient Story of the Month: Gwyn
What Is a Chalazion?
Vegan Potato Salad
3 Home Products That Can Slash Your Energy Bill
WITH THESE 3 PRODUCTS Boost Your Home’s Energy Efficiency
With the development of accessible, affordable technologies and home products, improving the energy efficiency of your home is easier than ever. On top of that, many of these products give you more options for home automation so you can save money and stay comfortable without even thinking about it. Here are three investments that will boost your energy efficiency right now.
A SMART THERMOSTAT The great thing about smart thermostats is that they offer more programmable options than traditional thermostats. For example, you can buy a thermostat that connects to your home’s Wi-Fi and is controlled by an accompanying smartphone app, no matter where you are. Another awesome feature is that smart thermostats will turn on and off based on your schedule and temperature preferences. In the long run, this feature can save you money and energy.
NEXT-GENERATION INSULATION While you might be familiar with fiberglass insulation, an industry standard, there are much better options that help you maintain the temperature in your home. For existing homes, spray foam insulation is the best option, as it is the easiest to install and can still save energy. It’s also ideal for insulating attics, basements, and hard-to-reach spots. For new homes or more involved renovations, insulating concrete forms are the most energy-efficient option.
A SMARTWATER HEATER Generally, water heaters are not the most energy efficient — especially if you’re in a household where hot water is in constant demand. But with a smart water heater, you can change that. Much like the previously mentioned thermostat, you can control a smart water heater remotely or set it to heat water according to a specific schedule. This way, the heating elements aren’t running all day, every day. They come in tank and tankless varieties, though tankless is the way to go to maximize energy efficiency without taking up much space.
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