Eyelid Lumps and Bumps

What ARE EYELID LUMPS AND BUMPS?

Eyelid lumps & bumps are general terms used to describe raised, lumpy masses or growths that form on and around the eyelids. As touched on above, they can take a range of forms. Many are benign, but some are malignant (cancerous) and risk growing or even spreading to neighbouring areas of the face.

Common eyelid bump varieties include:

• Stye: A small red lump forming at the base of the eyelashes or on the underside of the eyelid. Usually caused by bacteria that get into the oil glands, styes are often painful and can make the eye feel itchy, irritated, and watery.
• Chalazion: Occurs when oil glands in the eyelid get blocked, leading to oily buildups and a firm pea-shaped lump in the eyelid. Can be red and inflamed or quiet and non-inflamed. It is also known as an eyelid meibomian cyst.
• Xanthelasma: Sometimes linked with high levels of cholesterol in the body, a xanthelasma is a flattish yellow-tinged plaque that forms on the eyelids. They’re formed by fatty deposits.
• Sebaceous Cyst: Also caused by blocked glands in the eyelid, a cyst forms when lots of sebaceous creamy fluid builds up in the blocked glands. They’re usually pain-free but may still cause discomfort due to their appearance.
• Sweat gland Cyst: Other skin elements can cause retention cysts, including the sweat glands, which have a more transparent appearance.
  Papilloma: this is akin to a wart of the eyelid, sometimes caused by a viral infection of the skin cells
• Eyelid skin cancer: An eyelid lesion may also be a symptom of skin cancer such as basal cell carcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma. Eyelids are among the most common sites of skin cancer tumours because they’re often exposed to the sun and may not benefit as much from sunscreen protection as other parts of the face and body. If an eyelid skin malignancy is suspected, a small piece of tissue will be taken for histopathological analysis to determine the cell type.

The oculoplastic surgeon operates on benign and malignant eyelid lumps and bumps, carrying out delicate excision and reconstruction where needed.

It’s worth noting, too, that certain people are at elevated risk of eyelid lumps & bumps due to pre-existing health conditions or concerns. Those with high cholesterol, for example, often get more xanthelasma, and people with conditions like blepharitis and meibomian gland dysfunction may be more likely to have blocked oil glands, styes and chalazion. Those with a history of sun exposure are more likely to develop eyelid skin cancer.

BEFORE AND AFTER TREATMENT ADVICE

If you’re pursuing specialist oculoplastic treatment for your eyelid lump or lesion, here are some helpful tips to ensure you have the best and safest experience.

Before Treatment

Avoid touching the lump or areas around it as much as possible, so you can minimise the risks of infections or further irritation. Try to avoid using contact lenses during this period, too, and the same goes for eye makeup. The less you physically touch your eye, the better.
Your oculoplastic specialist may also make other recommendations, which are important to listen to and follow in the build-up to your appointment.

Aftercare Tips

After the treatment is done, proper hygiene is paramount. Your eyelid may be quite sensitive for the days after surgery or treatment, and it’s crucial to minimise the risks of infection by keeping the area clean and fresh. Avoid touching it and try to rest for at least the first few days, avoiding any intense activities or exercise to give your body time and resources to heal. Usually with small lumps and bumps surgical biopsy or excision does not require stitches to close the eyelid skin. If tiny oculoplastic stitches are placed, you will be advised specifically of their aftercare and if they have to be removed.
Your oculoplastic eyelid specialist should also make recommendations and may prescribe certain topical creams, eye drops, antibiotic ointments, or oral medications, with clear instructions on how to use them.

Get advice now about your eyelid lump or bump

Clinica London has dermatologists and oculoplastic surgeons available to see you with little waiting time and advise the best treatment. We have a surgical treatment room where treatments or surgery can be carried out safely under local anaesthetic, often on the same day as your consultation. If the lump or bump is on a child´s eyelid and they are quite young, this may require a short day-case general anaesthetic procedure rather than local anaesthesia.