Eyelid and facial lumps and bumps are not un-common. Many lesions can be readily diagnosed on the basis of their characteristics and can include the following:
- Chalazion (inflamed meibomian gland)
- Stye (an infected eyelash follicle)
- Skin tags
- Cysts
- Milia (small white skin lumps due to blocked ducts)
- Pigmented and non-pigmented moles
- Raised skin blemishes
A number of other lesions can be readily diagnosed by clinical examination alone and it is important to distinguish benign from malignant lesions. The majority of malignant tumours affecting the eyelids and area surrounding the eye generally consist of slowly enlarging, destructive lesions. There are a number of subtle features which can help to differentiate malignant from benign eyelid tumours but it can be difficult to make the correct diagnosis of an eyelid lesion without a biopsy which can be quickly carried out.
What happens at surgery?
Minor surgery for lumps and bumps can be performed under local anaesthesia. In cases where a diagnostic biopsy is required, an incisional biopsy where a small piece of the lesion is removed, or an excisional biopsy where the whole lesion is removed will be carried out. The lesion will then be treated on the basis of the histopathology report.
Chalazions and Styes
A stye can be treated with an antibiotic ointment. In most cases there is no special cause but diabetes should be excluded. A chalzion is often related to inflammation of the eyelids (blepharitis), and may be treated with hot compresses, massage and antibiotic ointment. In some circumstances, a minor operation is required which will involve a small incision and currettage from the inside of the eyelid to avoid any visible scaring.
Xanthelasma
Xanthelasma are fatty deposits within the skin around the eyes. These are quickly treated in a few minutes with an application of a peel agent, which can be repeated 4-6 weeks later, if required. This may occasionally need to be surgically removed.
Skin tags, cysts and milia
Skin tags and milia are minor abnormalities which do not need to be sent to a pathologist for examination and can be removed surgically very simply with minimal scarring. Milia can also be treated with medical microderabrasion or a chemical peel. On assessment an ideal approach will be tailored to your needs.
Pigmented and non-pigmented moles and raised skin blemishes
These lesions require a more formal surgical excision and following removal, are sent to a pathologist for a histopathological examination.
