RESUMEN
INTRODUCTION: Eyelid melanoma is a rare condition corresponding to less than 1% of all eyelid malignancy. The aim of the current study is to present the experience of our department. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From 1986 to 2009, 972 patients with a melanoma have been studied retrospectively. Each patient was evaluated in relation with age, sex, location of the tumor, histology (Breslow and Clark included), surgical treatment, recurrence, and finally with follow up. RESULTS: Twenty-three patients with eyelid melanoma and a strong female incidence (69.5%) were identified. Median age was 68.3 years. In most cases (71.4%), tumor was located on the right inferior eyelid in continuity with the malar region. LMM had the higher incidence (60.8%), followed by the nodular melanoma (21, 7%) and the SSM. The median Breslow was 0.77 while the median Clark 1.68. Surgery was the treatment of choice including direct closure, the use of full thickness skin graft and local or regional flaps. Three patients had local recurrence associated to nodular metastases in one of them. CONCLUSION: Surgical treatment of eyelid melanoma is a challenge for every reconstructive surgeon. Early detection remains the "gold standard" for every reconstructive option respecting the esthetic and function of this precious anatomic location.