Eyelid lumps and bumps
Eyelid lumps and bumps are very common. There are many causes of the lesions on the eyelids, but in most cases they are benign, such as styes, chalazia and cysts.
To ensure accurate diagnosis and to rule out anything more serious such as a skin cancer, it is important to seek advice from a surgeon with specific training in this area.
Fortunately, most eyelid lumps can be treated successfully with a short operation, under local anaesthetic.
Chalazion
A chalazion is a small pea sized lump that forms within the eyelid. This is due to blockage of a meibomian gland in the eyelid. The meibomian glands produce oil for the tear film. Most are painless, but if infected they can become red and sore.
Most chalazia settle over the first 3 months and the use of heat compresses to the eyelid can hasten resolution. However if it does not settle, or is particularly large, an incision and curretage can be carried out. This is a short local anaesthetic day procedure to drain the cyst.
Cyst of Moll
Cysts of Moll are typically small translucent, dome shaped lesions. They arise from a blocked gland of Moll normally located at the base of an eyelash.
The cyst should be removed in its entirety to reduce the chance of recurrence.
Cyst of Zeiss
Cysts of Zeiss are small solitary lumps on the eyelid, filled with yellowish, oily secretions. They form due to a blockage of a gland of Zeiss, which is a sebaceous, oily gland.
Again, surgical excision can be offered, if the lesion is becoming bothersome.
Papilloma
Papillomas are benign, over growths of skin. They are often referred to as skin tags. They are caused by a viral infection by the human papilloma virus.
Surgical excision is often quick and easily done under local anaesthetic, as a day case procedure.
Epidermal cyst
A common skin cyst that forms in the top layer of the skin (the epidermis). It appears as often a round mobile lump, just under the skin. Sebaceous glands produce oil for the skin, which explains the yellowish colouration.
They can be excised under local anaesthetic.