Chalazion

Chalazion

Definition

Firm nodular bulb within the tarsus.

Epidemiology and etiology:

Chalazia occur relatively frequently and arecaused by a chronic granulomatous inflammation due to buildup of secretion from the meibomian gland.

Symptoms:

The firm painless nodule develops very slowly. Aside from thecosmetic flaw, it is usually asymptomatic (Fig. 2.18).

Differential diagnosis:

Hordeolum (tender to palpation) and adenocarci-noma.

Treatment:

Surgical incision is usually unavoidable (Fig. 2.19).

After introducing the chalazion clamp, the lesion is incised either medi-ally, perpendicular to the margin of the eyelid, or laterally, perpendicu-lar to the margin of the eyelid (this is important to avoid cicatricial ectropion). The fatty contents are then removed with a curet.

Prognosis:

Good except for the chance of local recurrence.