Differential Diagnosis for Eyelid Swelling in a One Month Old

Single Most Likely Diagnosis

• Natal Teeth or Congenital Eyelid Cyst: These conditions are relatively common in newborns and can cause eyelid swelling due to the physical presence of a tooth or cyst.

Other Likely Diagnoses

• Allergic Reaction: Allergies to substances like milk or other environmental factors can cause eyelid swelling in infants.
• Infection (e.g., Conjunctivitis or Blepharitis): Bacterial or viral infections are common in newborns and can lead to eyelid swelling.
• Blocked Tear Duct: A common condition in newborns where the tear duct is blocked, leading to swelling and possibly infection.

Do Not Miss Diagnoses

• Orbital Cellulitis: A serious infection that can spread to the orbit and cause severe complications, including vision loss and intracranial infection.
• Retinoblastoma: Although rare, this is a critical diagnosis to consider as it is a malignant tumor of the retina that can present with signs of orbital swelling.
• Neuroblastoma with Orbital Metastasis: A rare but potentially deadly condition where a neuroblastoma metastasizes to the orbit, causing swelling.

Rare Diagnoses

• Hemangioma: A benign vascular tumor that can cause eyelid swelling, though it's less common in the first month of life.
• Lymphangioma: A rare congenital malformation of the lymphatic vessels that can cause swelling in the eyelid.
• Granuloma: Rare inflammatory conditions that can cause eyelid swelling, such as a granuloma associated with an insect bite or other foreign body reaction.