I've had a chalazion for over a year. I had 3 surgeries & there's still a bump. Is this scar tissue and will it go away? (Photo)

Question

I developed a chalazion in Dec 2013 that didn't improve with compresses. I went to a doctor in April 2014 and got several steroid shots that didn't change it. She performed surgery and there was some improvement, but it came back after several weeks. I then had two more surgeries in September and November 2014 with it just coming back a few weeks after surgery (despite compresses and eye drops). Now there is a bump and my eye is prone to tearing up and getting red. Is this an inflamed scar?

Mehryar (Ray) Taban, MD, FACS · Answer

It is best to see an oculoplastic specialist for evaluation. This may or may not be a stye/chalazion.  If it is a chronic chalazion, it is very firm by now and needs to be excised. If it is something else, it should be biopsied.

Kenneth D. Steinsapir, MD · Answer

It would be helpful to know what type of physician you are seeing.  Have you seen a general ophthalmologist or are you seeing an oculoplastic surgeon?  In having surgery, was any tissue submitted for histopathology to establish a definitive diagnosis.  While skin cancer is very rare in this location and particularly with someone who appears as young as you do, it is still a concern.  There are many excellent oculoplastic surgeons in the Bay Area.  I recommend seeing one of them.  The American Society for Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery directory can help you find a well qualified surgeon close to home.

Fred Suess, MD (retired) · Answer

It maybe scar tissue or residual tissue from the chalazion. You might have a small amount of cortizone injected into the "bump" to see if it will reduce or eliminate the bump. Sincerely,

Fred Suess M.D.

I've had a chalazion for over a year. I had 3 surgeries & there's still a bump. Is this scar tissue and will it go away? (Photo)

Answers (3)