Eyelid lumps

It is not uncommon to develop small lumps on the upper or lower eyelids, and in most cases they are not serious or sight threatening.
Commonly they may be due to a blocked gland in the eyelid, which may become inflamed and subsequently infected (a chalazion). These require drainage, which is a simple, quick procedure under local anaesthetic and resolves the problem within a few days.

A Chalazion

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Additionally some people may develop small fleshy lumps, papillomas, that are benign but may require removal because they are unsightly.

Benign lid papillomas

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There are some lumps that can develop on and around the eyelids that are cancerous and need removing to prevent them from spreading and damaging the eyes.
The commonest of these is called a Basal Cell Carcinoma, also known as Rodent Ulcer. These lumps are commoner in older people and particularly in those who have had a lot of sun exposure during their lifetime.
These lumps may bleed and classically have a ‘pearly’ appearance with a rolled edge and ulceration in the centre of the lump. They can be pigmented and usually enlarge slowly. Although they do not spread to other parts of the body and therefore are not life threatening, they can be locally very destructive if left untreated.

Basal Cell Carcinoma

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If you have a lump on or close to your eyelids with any of these suspicious features it is recommended that you consult an ophthalmologist as soon as possible for an opinion.