Growth on eyelids: When to seek help.
If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek help from your ophthalmologist: gradual enlargement of the lump, central ulceration or induration (hardening of the soft tissue), irregular borders, destruction of the eyelid margin, or loss of lashes.
This is a list of some of the more common lumps, bumps, and growths that may occur on eyelids:
- Chalazion/Meibomian cyst
This occurs when the meibomian gland openings on the eyelid margin become blocked, and a cystic swelling develops. These lumps may disappear or shrink spontaneously. They may also respond to the application of warm compresses. If they do not regress, they may require surgical drainage. This involves a small procedure performed under local anaesthetic in your eye specialist’s rooms. - Stye
Styes form as a result of an infection of the glands adjacent to the eyelash follicles. The infection usually results in a painful swelling filled with pussy material. It is self-limiting and may be treated with warm compresses and topical antibiotic ointment. - Hidrocystoma
These are cystic swellings of the periocular sweat glands. They are filled with fluid, and appear translucent. They are benign, but patients may opt to have them removed for cosmetic reasons. In the case of removal, then entire cyst needs to be excised. Draining it without excising it will result in it recurring. - Epidermal inclusion cysts
These are benign cysts filled with keratin, giving them a whitish appearance. They can also be excised for cosmetic reasons. - Nevi
These are benign pigmented or non-pigmented lesions. Patients may opt for excision for cosmetic reasons. - Seborrheic keratosis
These are benign, pigmented lesions, which are elevated, pigmented and have a cobblestone-like appearance. They look like they have been “stuck on” the face/eyelids. There is no risk of malignant transformation. - Malignant tumours
Malignant eyelid tumours require excision with wide margins. They also require reconstruction which often involves skin or mucus membrane grafts and flaps. The types of malignant tumours that can be found on eyelids include:- Basal cell carcinoma – locally invasive
- Squamous cell carcinoma – locally invasive, but can spread to the lymph nodes
- Malignant melanoma – systemic metastases (spread)
- Sebaceous cell carcinoma – systemic metastases
