The most common cause of an eyelid mass is a benign glandular tumor, although other differentials are possible. Common eyelid tumors include but are not limited to meibomian gland adenomas, meibomian gland epitheliomas, melanomas, sebaceous gland tumors, mast cell tumors, histiocytomas, spindle cell tumors, and plasmocytomas. It is best to submit the mass for evaluation by a veterinary pathologist (histopathology) for a definitive diagnosis of the mass following removal.
In some cases, if there are limited side effects from the mass, such as ocular irritation or corneal contact, it may be recommended that the mass be monitored. Often lubricating medication will be provided to help cushion the eye and maintain ocular health. If removal of the mass is not recommended, one should continue to monitor the mass for any signs of continued growth (e.g. sudden increases in size, ulceration, redness) or irritation to the eye.
If removal of the mass is recommended and the mass is small, then excision of the mass under sedation (or brief anesthesia) followed by cryotherapy (deep freeze) is a common treatment procedure. The excision is incomplete by nature and therefore leaves tumor cells behind; cryotherapy is intended to kill the remaining tumor cells. Following cryotherapy, there may be transient to permanent depigmentation and/or defects of the lid margin with subsequent effects on tear film distribution. Corneal ulceration is also a possibility. Cryotherapy can be painful. Your pet will commonly be sent home with a protective E-collar, antibiotics, and pain medication. This therapy is often the first line of treatment, but regrowth is possible.
If the mass is larger but still less than one third of the lid margin, or if the mass grows back following excision with cryotherapy, a surgical excision under general anesthesia is the method of choice. This aims to remove the mass in its entirety and the lid margins will be put back together with sutures which will later need to be removed. Lid margin mass resection complications include defects of the lid margin with subsequent effects on tear film distribution, infection, inflammation, tumor regrowth, and corneal ulceration. Your pet will commonly be sent home with a protective E-collar, antibiotics, and pain medication.
If the mass is greater than one third of the lid margin, more complex removal and lid reconstruction procedures will be discussed.