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Eyelid lumps and bumps

What are eyelid lumps and bumps?

“Eyelid lumps and bumps” is a broad term for any swelling, cyst, lump or tumour on the eyelid. Some are harmless and either resolve by themselves and can be left alone; or can be removed quickly and painlessly by a skilled ophthalmologist. However, occasionally, they can be a sign of a more serious condition such as a cancer. 

What are the symptoms of eyelid lumps and bumps?

The main symptom is swelling. The lump or bump may cause swelling in the upper or lower eyelids. This can cause a feeling of pressure in the eye, pain, tenderness, itchiness, or irritation.

You should seek the advice of a consultant ophthalmologist if the lump or bump is: 

  • Growing or spreading 

  • Causing you significant pain, irritation or discomfort 

  • Not resolving on its own 

  • Obscuring your vision 

  • Bleeding or blistering 

  • Affecting your confidence 

This list is not exclusive so if you have any concerns about a lump or bump on the eyelid please seek medical care. 

What are the types of eyelid lumps and bumps?

There are many different causes and types of lump or bump that can appear on the eyelid. Some of the most common ones are: 

  • Benign tumour or cyst: these can be caused by a range of factors including sun exposure, blocked glands, and infections  
  • Chalazion: a harmless cyst caused by a blocked meibomian gland in the eyelid. Meibomian glands in the eyelid produce an oil which helps keep the eye moist. If the gland becomes blocked, the oil builds up into a cyst which looks like a small lump in the eyelid.
  • Cancer: eyelids are a common location for skin cancers because they are more exposed to the sun and tend to have less sunscreen protection when compared to other parts of the body. Common eyelid cancers can include basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, and malignant melanoma. Some rare forms such as sebaceous cell carcinoma can mimic a chalazion and may be difficult to diagnose. It is important that multiple recurrence of chalazion or persistent chalazion is investigated further.
  • Mole: also known as a naevus, moles are normal skin growths caused when pigment-producing cells (called melanocytes) grow in groups. Any chain in size, colour or shape of a mole needs prompt investigation.
  • Stye: common bacterial infections which occur at the eyelash root. This causes a small, painful abscess on the outside of the eyelid, which appears as a red lump and typically has a yellow spot in the middle. A non-resolving persistent stye underlying condition and so needs investigation.
  • Xanthelasma: most commonly associated with high cholesterol, xanthelasma are yellow/white discoloured patches of the eyelids. They are often painless. 

Treatment for eyelid lumps and bumps

The treatment will depend on what is causing the lump or bump.

Styes and chalazions can often be treated at home with warm compresses and massage of the eyelids.

Other treatments may include: 

  • Eye drops/ointments: topical treatments such as eye drops or ointments can be prescribed on their own or in conjunction with other treatments to cure the lump or to provide relief from the symptoms.
  • Antibiotics/steroids: for infections, particularly persistent infections, a short course of antibiotics or steroids may be needed to cure the underlying cause of the lump.
  • Biopsy: if a lump has a possibility of being cancerous, the consultant will take a small biopsy which will be analysed before a treatment plan is decided. If it is cancerous then it is important to make sure that all the tumour is removed (known as having clear margins) to reduce the likelihood of the cancer returning. 
  • Draining: for lumps filled with fluid such as cysts, draining the fluid away can release pressure and resolve the lump. In some cases, the lining of the cyst must also be removed to prevent the cyst refilling with fluid.
  • Surgical excision: for lumps and bumps which aren’t filled with fluid, surgery may be the best option. This can often be completed as an outpatient procedure or as a day case. It is important to choose a consultant oculoplastic surgeon who is also a trained ophthalmologist so they can achieve a good aesthetic outcome whilst protecting the delicate structures of the eye.  

 

How much does treatment for eyelid lumps and bumps cost?

Initial consultation

From £300

This includes an initial consultation and a visual acuity assessment.

If further outpatient tests and investigations are required, they will be charged at an additional rate. The most commonly required test is an OCT scan. Your consultant will discuss this with you at your consultation.

Treatment

The cost of onward treatment will be provided after initial consultation, based on your personalised treatment plan.

Contact the new patient team

Call our new patient team

Lines are open Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm excluding bank holidays for general enquiries or to book an appointment.

0800 328 3421

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