What are eye lid lesions?
Lumps in the eyelids (eyelid lesions) are very common and have a variety of causes, ranging from harmless (benign) cysts to cancerous (malignant cells) lesions. You may also need to have your lesion surgically removed for functional reasons (e.g. to improve your vision) or to identify the cause of the lesion.
Different types
There are many different types of lumps and bumps which can grow on or around your eyelids:
- Comedone
- Pyogenic granuloma
- Seborrheic keratosis
- Keratin horn
- Actinic keratosis
- Xanthelasma
- Meibomian cysts / Chalazion
- Skin tags
- Squamous papilloma
- Benign Naevus
How are lesions removed?
Punch biopsy: a small blade is used to take a circular piece of tissue from the eyelid. The tissue removed is then examined to identify the nature and cause of the lesion. These biopsies are a type of incisional biopsy, where the whole extent of lesion is not removed, but only a small amount of the lesion is sampled.
Excisional biopsy: a small blade is used to remove the entire eyelid lesion and a portion of surrounding normal skin. The whole lesion that has been excised is examined to identify the underlying cause.
Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS): MMS is a special type of surgery used to
remove cancerous cells in areas of the body where it is important to remove as little skin as possible (e.g. the eyelids). The surgery involves the removal of the skin lesion and a small area of surrounding skin. The removed tissue is examined under a microscope for cancerous cells. This process is repeated until the entire lesion has been removed. MMS reduces the amount of healthy tissue that is removed and post-surgery scarring while ensuring the complete removal of cancerous lesions.
Eyelid surgery to remove lesions is usually performed under local anaesthetic. This means you will be awake during the operation. However, you will be given an injection into the affected eyelid to numb the area before the surgery, and eyedrops to make you feel more comfortable. If it is decided that you require a general anaesthetic, you will be asleep for the entire operation.
Your wound may be left open to heal naturally. If you have stitches in place, these will be removed in approximately 1-2 weeks in the outpatient setting.
The cost of removing a lesion or cyst from the eye will vary depending on both the size and complexity. There may also be a charge for histology if the lesion or cyst looks cancerous.