Chalazion & Other Lesions

A chalazion looks like a lump or bump on your eyelid. At first they can be quite red, swollen and tender, and are known as styes in this inflamed stage. The condition occurs when one of the tiny oil glands in your eyelid becomes clogged and your body launches an inflammatory defensive response, which creates the swelling and discomfort.

There are a wide variety of growths that can appear on the eyelids and face. Many of these are benign (noncancerous) lesions and are also commonly found on the skin in other parts of the body, such as papillomas, seborrheic keratosis and acrochordons (skin tags). Unfortunately, cancers of the skin such as basal cell carcinoma also appear on the eyelid and can be difficult to distinguish from benign lesions, like a chalazion, to the untrained eye. It is important that your eyelid lesion is evaluated by a physician who is skilled in identifying lesions and the subtle differences that can appear between benign and cancerous growths.

For benign lesions, your surgeon may recommend observation or surgical removal if the lesions are causing problems for you. If it is not readily clear that the lesion is benign, then a sample of the tissue, called a biopsy, will be taken to look for signs of abnormal cell growth. Once the lesion is identified from the biopsy, then your surgeon will make treatment recommendations. The surgeons at Fry Eye Associates can remove most of these lesions in our minor surgery suite at the time of your first clinic visit, which is convenient for patients. The lesion(s) will be removed with minimal discomfort and maximal attention to a great cosmetic result. Very large or cancerous lesions may require a more extensive removal and eyelid reconstruction at our ambulatory surgery center or the hospital. Having your eyelid lesion evaluated by a physician is a way to ensure that it is properly identified and treated.