Eyelid Lumps & Bumps
Types of Eyelid Lesions
It is common to develop lesions around the eyelids at any point in life. The majority of these lumps, bumps and skin tags are harmless benign lesions, can cause irritation, discomfort and look unslightly.
The most common type of cyst of the eyelid is called a Chalazion. This is an accumulation and inflammation of the meibomian glands of the eyelids. This and other benign cysts can often be treated in the outpatient setting under local anaesthetic. Surgery on these small lesions is very successful and usually leaves no trace. Other eyelid lesions such as moles, skin tags and warts can usually be treated in the same way.
Occasionally lesions around the eyelids may not be benign. Cysts, nodules and ulcers in the eyelid region can be malignant. Suspicious characteristics are a central crater in a nodule, a non healing ulcer with occasional bleeding, fine blood vessels on the surface on the lesion, a loss of eyelashes if near the eyelid margin and continued growth. If you are concerned that your eyelid lesion has any of these characteristics, please see Mr Ismail for advice. See Eyelid Cancers for more information.
Treatment
Treatment of small eyelid lesions can often be performed in the outpatient department minor operations room under a simple local anaesthetic. Lesions are often treated via the inner (conjunctival) surface of the eyelid. If an incision is made through the skin, it may be small enough to require a very small dissolving suture, or no suture at all.
After the procedure, eye ointment and a pad will be placed over the eye, and left in place until the following morning. For this reason, please ensure that you are accompanied, or do not drive to the clinic on the day of your procedure. After you remove the pad the following morning, there may be mild swelling or bruising, which will settle in a day or two.