Modified meibography in malignant eyelid tumors of epithelial origin

INTRODUCTION: Eyelid tumors can be diagnosed using various diagnostic techniques. However, capability of existing methods for determining the type and margins of the tumor at the preoperative stage remains insufficiently studied. PURPOSE: To improve the noncontact infrared meibography technique and determine its diagnostic capabilities for studying structural changes in meibomian glands in malignant eyelid tumors of epithelial origin. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included 49 people (66 eyelids), among which 21 (21 eyelids) with malignant eyelid tumors, 11 - with benign eyelid tumors (11 eyelids), and 17 (34 eyelids) comprised the control group. The mean age of patients was 64.8±1.56 years. Meibomian glands of the lower eyelids were photographed in infrared light. Receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curves were constructed to estimate the sensitivity and specificity of the method. RESULTS: Modified meibography showed 100% sensitivity and 90% specificity in the differential diagnosis of malignant and benign eyelid tumors in 32 patients. Unlike other methods, the modified meibography technique can clarify the margins of tumor growth, which is considered when planning the resection volume. CONCLUSION: Modified meibography can indicate the margins of tumor invasion; it can be successfully used in the differential diagnostics of malignant eyelid tumors of epithelial origin and benign eyelid tumors.