Single most likely diagnosis
- Blepharitis or Stye (Hordeolum): This is the most common cause of outgrowths on the eyelids, often resulting from bacterial infections or blockage of the meibomian glands.
Other Likely diagnoses
- Chalazion: A small bump on the eyelid due to a blocked oil gland, which can appear similar to a stye but is usually painless.
- Molluscum contagiosum: A viral infection that causes small, pearly, or flesh-colored bumps on the skin, including the eyelids.
- Papilloma: Benign growths that can occur on the eyelids, often caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV).
Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.)
- Basal cell carcinoma: Although rare, this type of skin cancer can present as an outgrowth on the eyelid and requires early detection for effective treatment.
- Squamous cell carcinoma: Another form of skin cancer that can appear on the eyelids, necessitating prompt medical attention.
- Kaposi's sarcoma: A rare cancer that can cause lesions on the skin, including the eyelids, particularly in immunocompromised individuals.
Rare diagnoses
- Xanthelasma: A condition characterized by small, yellowish patches or bumps on the eyelids due to lipid deposits, often associated with high cholesterol levels.
- Sebaceous gland hyperplasia: Benign enlargements of the sebaceous glands that can appear as outgrowths on the eyelids.
- Trichoepithelioma: A rare, benign tumor of the hair follicle that can occur on the eyelids.