Differential Diagnosis for Small Flesh-Colored Bump on Eyelid

• Single Most Likely Diagnosis
  • Chalazion: A small, usually painless bump on the eyelid due to a blocked oil gland. It's a common condition and often presents as a small, flesh-colored nodule.
• Other Likely Diagnoses
  • Molluscum contagiosum: A viral infection that causes small, pearly, or flesh-colored bumps. It's contagious and can appear anywhere on the body, including the eyelids.
  • Papilloma: A benign growth that can occur on the eyelid, often appearing as a small, flesh-colored bump. It's usually harmless but can be removed for cosmetic reasons.
  • Keratosis: A benign growth that can appear on the eyelid, often as a small, flesh-colored bump. It's more common in older adults and can be related to sun exposure.
• Do Not Miss Diagnoses
  • Basal cell carcinoma: Although less common, basal cell carcinoma can present as a small, flesh-colored bump on the eyelid. It's a type of skin cancer that requires early detection and treatment.
  • Squamous cell carcinoma: Another type of skin cancer that can appear on the eyelid, often as a firm, red nodule but sometimes as a flesh-colored bump. Early detection is crucial.
• Rare Diagnoses
  • Xanthelasma: A condition characterized by small, yellowish patches or bumps on the eyelids, due to accumulation of fat. While not typically flesh-colored, they can appear pale and might be considered in the differential.
  • Syringoma: A rare, benign tumor that can appear as small, flesh-colored bumps on the eyelids. It's more common in women and can be associated with other conditions.
  • Trichoepithelioma: A rare, benign tumor of the hair follicle that can appear on the eyelid as a small, flesh-colored bump. It's part of a spectrum of conditions related to hair follicle tumors.