Eyelid Growths, Tumors, Lumps and Bumps
Discussion and Photos

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

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.

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.

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.

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 apperance should be removed and examined microscopically.