CHALAZION OVERVIEW
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A chalazion is essentially an eyelid cyst. It is caused by an inflamed granuloma resulting from oil gland blockage. The blockage usually results from variations in oil secretion. There are external and internal chalazia, depending on whether it developed in the sebaceous glands (external) or meibomian glands of the tarsus are termed (internal).
Associated Conditions
Seborrhea, chronic blepharitis, and acne rosacea are associated conditions.
Presentation
A chalazion can present in a number of ways, namely: soft tissue swelling, a resulting small bump or lump, redness of the skin (erythema), and development of a firm nodule.
Course
Typically, as the gland becomes overloaded with oil secretions, it increases in size over weeks or months. The chalazion can grow externally through the skin and sometimes through the conjunctiva. It often remains contained within the tarsus or ruptures beneath the skin or on the conjunctival side.
Treatment
While warm compresses and topical antibiotic ointment are popular treatment methods, sometimes the chalazion does not respond. In those cases, and when there is continued growth, surgical excision may be required. After removal, continuing warm compresses can be helpful, along with antibiotic/steroid ointment.
Warnings
At Idaho Eyelid and Facial Plastic Surgery, recurrent chalazion is rare but is biopsied to rule out neoplastic lesions. Our oculoplastic surgeons know that chalazia may look similar to basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and adenocarcinoma of the meibomian glands, and they take great care to rule out malignancies.
