Which of the following best describes chalazion diagnosis on examination?

Which of the following best describes chalazion diagnosis on examination?

• A. Painless, rapidly enlarging lump with crusting.
• B. Painful ulcerating lesion of the eyelid.
• C. Nontender lump that is slow-growing.
• D. Diffuse redness of conjunctiva with discharge.

Answer: (C)

Chalazion is a chronic, noninfectious blockage of a meibomian gland in the eyelid that produces a firm, localized swelling. On exam it appears as a nontender, well-circumscribed lump within the eyelid tissue, often on the upper lid, and it tends to grow slowly over weeks to months. This painless, slow-growing eyelid nodule fits the description best. In contrast, a painful, acute presentation with redness and warmth would point away from chalazion toward a stye or eyelid infection, and diffuse conjunctival redness with discharge suggests conjunctivitis rather than a discrete eyelid nodule. For chalazion, initial management focuses on warm compresses and lid hygiene, with options like intralesional steroid injection or drainage if persistent.

Chalazion is a chronic, noninfectious blockage of a meibomian gland in the eyelid that produces a firm, localized swelling. On exam it appears as a nontender, well-circumscribed lump within the eyelid tissue, often on the upper lid, and it tends to grow slowly over weeks to months. This painless, slow-growing eyelid nodule fits the description best.

In contrast, a painful, acute presentation with redness and warmth would point away from chalazion toward a stye or eyelid infection, and diffuse conjunctival redness with discharge suggests conjunctivitis rather than a discrete eyelid nodule. For chalazion, initial management focuses on warm compresses and lid hygiene, with options like intralesional steroid injection or drainage if persistent.