Eyelid growths, often called tumors, may be either benign or malignant. The most common benign, or non-cancerous, growths include:
• Sty (Hordeolum)
A sty is an infected abscess of an eyelid oil gland. The infection progresses rapidly, and the lid becomes red, swollen, and very tender. Fortunately, most stys are short-lived and drain spontaneously within 24-72 hours, so eyelid surgery is seldom needed. Any swelling that persists much longer is probably not a sty.
• Chalazion
A common cyst appearing on either the front, back, or edge of the upper or lower eyelids. More
• Inclusion cyst
An epidermal inclusion cyst is a white, painless enlargement or bump on the eyelid skin. While it has no malignant potential, it may be difficult to distinguish from basal cell carcinoma on appearance alone. If so, surgical removal with biopsy is indicated. |
| • Pigmented Nevus
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Pigmented lesions of the eyelid are less common and should be examined by an ophthalmologist.
While most are benign, a dark lesion may be a malignant melanoma or pigmented basal cell carcinoma. |
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• Sweat gland cyst
A sweat gland cyst appears as a round, shiny, transparent lump along the edge of the eyelid, often near the tear duct. Minor eyelid surgery is curative.
• Keratosis
An eyelid keratosis is a build-up of mostly keratin (a protein) that may exist in a variety of forms. Most keratoses are benign, but some are considered pre-malignant because they may degenerate into basal or squamous cell carcinoma. Protein flaking off the lesion may cause eyeball itching. Eyelid surgery is straightforward. |
| • Intradermal Nevus
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An intradermal nevus is a flesh-colored painless growth within the lash line that may exist for many years with only slight enlargement.
A nevus that changes in appearance should be removed and examined microscopically. |
• Other
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Other eyelid lumps and bumps may be caused by virus infections (photo), warts, skin tags, etc.
Because such lesions frequently cause eye irritation, look bad, and may be difficult to distinguish from early eyelid skin cancer, minor surgery for biopsy or removal is generally advised. |
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