Eyelid mass from cutaneous leishmaniasis: Skin-sparing surgical excision

Abstract

A 28-year-old male presented with a 22 × 12 mm erythematous mass in his right upper eyelid for 1 year. The lesion clinically resembled a malignant neoplasm, but incisional biopsy revealed cutaneous leishmaniasis. To minimize potential scarring, the mass was excised without removing the overlying skin. The lesion was confined anterior to the orbital septum. Postoperatively, the patient received meglumine antimoniate for 15 days, with a rapid and uncomplicated recovery. Although rare, cutaneous leishmaniasis can mimic malignant eyelid tumors. In such cases, skin-sparing excision may offer a viable and effective treatment option.