Types of Eyelid Tumours: Benign and Malignant Growths

Daniel Ezra, 6 October 2026

Trustpilot

Finding a new lump or growth on your eyelid can be concerning, but not all eyelid tumours are cancerous. Understanding the different types of benign and malignant eyelid tumours can help you recognise when a change may benefit from specialist assessment.

Close-up of a woman’s eye and eyebrow as she lifts her brow with a manicured finger.

What Are Eyelid Tumours?

An eyelid tumour is an abnormal growth that develops on the upper or lower eyelid. Tumours can be benign, meaning non-cancerous, or malignant, meaning cancerous and capable of invading surrounding tissues.

The eyelids can develop several different types of growth, and their appearance alone may not always be enough to determine whether they are benign or malignant. When a lesion is persistent, changing or has unusual features, specialist assessment can help establish an accurate diagnosis.

Beauty portrait of a dark-haired woman with coral eye makeup resting her hand against her nose and cheek on a beige background.

What Are the Different Types of Eyelid Tumours?

Eyelid tumours include common benign growths as well as several forms of eyelid cancer. While benign lesions are generally harmless, malignant tumours require appropriate investigation and treatment.

Benign Eyelid Tumours

Benign eyelid tumours are non-cancerous and do not spread to other parts of the body. Common examples include cysts, skin tags and moles, which become increasingly common with age.

Although these lesions may not require treatment, removal can sometimes be considered if a growth causes irritation, interferes with vision or is a cosmetic concern. Further investigation may also be recommended when the diagnosis is uncertain.

Woman with freckled skin and her eyes closed gently touching her upper eyelid with one finger against a grey background.

Malignant Eyelid Tumours

Malignant eyelid tumours are cancerous growths that can invade nearby tissues. Some types also have the potential to spread elsewhere in the body.

The most important types of malignant eyelid tumour include basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and sebaceous gland carcinoma.

Basal Cell Carcinoma

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common malignant eyelid tumour. It often appears as a raised, pearly lesion and commonly affects the lower eyelid.

BCCs typically grow locally rather than spreading to distant parts of the body. However, without treatment, they can continue to grow and invade surrounding tissues, making appropriate diagnosis and management important.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is a form of skin cancer arising from squamous cells in the outer layers of the skin. On the eyelid, it can have several appearances, including scaly or pink areas and non-healing lesions with redness, crusting or bleeding.

SCC can behave more aggressively than BCC and has the potential to spread beyond the original tumour. Early assessment is therefore particularly important for suspicious or non-healing eyelid lesions.

Sebaceous Gland Carcinoma

Sebaceous gland carcinoma (SGC) is a rare but aggressive eyelid cancer that develops from the sebaceous glands within the eyelids. It may appear as a firm red or yellow lump that gradually increases in size.

One of the challenges with SGC is that it can sometimes resemble more common eyelid conditions, including a chalazion or blepharitis. A persistent or unusual chalazion, particularly when accompanied by changes such as eyelash loss or crusting, may therefore require specialist assessment.

Learn more about the assessment and treatment of a Chalazion at The Ezra Clinic.

What Are the Symptoms of Eyelid Tumours?

Eyelid tumours can present differently depending on their type and stage, and early lesions may not cause noticeable symptoms. Changes to the skin or eyelid may be the first sign.

Signs to be aware of include:

  • A new or growing eyelid lump.
  • Changes in the colour or texture of the eyelid skin.
  • A lesion that crusts, bleeds or ulcerates.
  • Loss of eyelashes around a lesion.
  • Persistent eyelid irritation or inflammation.
  • A sore or lesion that does not heal.

These changes do not necessarily mean that an eyelid lesion is cancerous. However, because benign and malignant growths can sometimes have similar appearances, persistent or changing lesions should be assessed by a specialist.

When Should You See a Specialist About an Eyelid Lump?

Many eyelid lumps are benign, but it is sensible to seek specialist advice if a lesion is persistent, growing, bleeding, crusting or failing to heal.

Loss of eyelashes around a lesion can also be a concerning feature. Similarly, persistent inflammation affecting one eyelid or a chalazion that repeatedly returns or does not resolve may warrant further investigation.

Early assessment can help distinguish harmless eyelid growths from lesions that require further investigation and allows appropriate treatment to be planned when necessary.

Book a consultation

Close-up of a woman’s green eyes, brows and nose with natural skin and freckles against a pale background.

How Are Eyelid Tumours Diagnosed and Treated?

Diagnosis usually begins with a detailed examination of the eyelid and a review of your medical history. Some benign lesions can be identified clinically, while others may require a biopsy, where a tissue sample is examined to establish a definitive diagnosis.

Benign eyelid tumours may not require treatment unless they cause symptoms or other concerns. Malignant tumours may require surgical removal, sometimes using Mohs surgery, followed by eyelid reconstruction where necessary. Other treatment options may be considered depending on the type and extent of the tumour.

Learn more about Eyelid Tumour Treatment, including biopsy, tumour removal, Mohs surgery and eyelid reconstruction at The Ezra Clinic.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Most Common Type of Eyelid Tumour?

There are many benign growths that can affect the eyelids, including cysts, skin tags and moles. Among malignant eyelid tumours, basal cell carcinoma is the most common.

Can a Benign Eyelid Tumour Become Cancerous?

Benign eyelid tumours are non-cancerous. However, the source material notes that some pre-malignant lesions, including Bowen’s disease and actinic keratosis, may develop into malignant lesions if untreated.

Because different eyelid lesions can sometimes appear similar, a specialist can assess any persistent or changing growth and determine whether further investigation is required.

Can Eyelid Cancer Look Like a Chalazion?

Yes. Sebaceous gland carcinoma can sometimes be mistaken for a chalazion or blepharitis. A chalazion that does not resolve, particularly when it is unusual for you or accompanied by features such as eyelash loss or crusting, should be assessed by an eyelid specialist.

Are Eyelid Tumours Usually Painful?

Not necessarily. Eyelid tumours may cause few or no symptoms during their early stages, and basal cell carcinomas commonly present as painless lumps.

Pain is therefore not a reliable way to determine whether an eyelid lesion is benign or malignant.

Can Eyelid Tumours Affect Your Vision?

They can in some cases. More advanced tumours may affect nearby structures around the eye, and the original clinical content notes that reduced vision, double vision or displacement of the eye can occur in later-stage disease.

Any eyelid lesion associated with visual changes should be assessed by an appropriate specialist.

Book a consultation

Latest articles

Contact us

If you are interested in any of the treatments we offer, or require any further information, we would love to hear from you. We offer both online and face to face consultations, allowing us to accommodate your individual needs and preferences. You can reach us by phone, email or by completing the contact form below.

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
Please tell us how you heard about us
Newsletter Consent