DR. Qasiem Jamil Nasser

The eyelid is a complex structure which contains many different tissue components, each of which can give rise to a different type of eyelid lump.

The most common type of eyelid lump is the Chalazion, which is a cyst of one of the oil producing glands of the eyelid. These can be removed in the clinic easily and under local anaesthetic, with a hidden incision on the inside of the upper eyelid.

A variety of other benign lumps and bumps such as sweat gland cysts, sebaceous cysts and warty growths are also common on the eyelid and can be removed simply and safely. These are also carried out under local anaesthesia.

Xanthelasma is another common benign eyelid lesion which appears as a pale discolouration which is caused by cholesterol deposition on the inner parts of the upper and lower eyelids. This can also readily be removed.

The eyelid is also a very common site for malignant tumours such as basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and other forms of skin cancer. Basal cell carcinoma presents as a painless hard lump, most commonly on the lower eyelid, which grows slowly to invade and destroy deeper tissues. It is essential that these are removed as early as possible. The key principles of management for malignant eyelid lesions are complete surgical removal, followed by reconstruction.