Eyelid papilloma: what it is and how it is removed

A squamous papilloma is a benign overgrowth of skin. On the eyelid it is usually skin-coloured or slightly pink, may be on a stalk (pedunculated) or broad-based, and often has a rough, cauliflower-like or finger-like surface. Some are linked to the human papillomavirus (HPV).

Is it harmful?

No, but papillomas can grow, rub on the eye if they sit on the lid margin, catch on lashes and be cosmetically unwelcome. A few look similar to other lesions that need testing, which is why examination matters.

Removal

Under local anaesthetic, the papilloma is removed at its base and the area sealed. Lid-margin lesions need particular care to preserve the lid contour and lashes. The tissue is usually sent for histology. Most procedures take 10–15 minutes.

Recurrence

Complete removal at the base makes recurrence unlikely, although viral papillomas occasionally return or appear elsewhere.

See a doctor promptly if an eyelid lump bleeds, crusts or ulcerates, causes eyelashes to fall out, keeps growing, distorts the lid, or comes back in the same place. Spreading redness and swelling of the whole lid, especially with fever or pain on moving the eye, needs urgent same-day care.

See eyelid lump and lesion removal, skin tag on the eyelid and lump on the eyelid — when to worry.

Seeing Ms Tahmina Pearsall

Ms Pearsall removes eyelid papillomas and other benign lid lesions under local anaesthetic.

Ms Tahmina Pearsall is a consultant ophthalmic surgeon who qualified in 1993 and has more than 30 years of experience and over 50,000 procedures performed. She trained at Moorfields Eye Hospital, St Thomas' Hospital and Addenbrooke's Hospital, and sees private patients at multiple clinic locations, including Harley Street in London. Read her full credentials.

Ms Pearsall sees patients at Harley Street, London and other clinic locations. Patients travel from across the UK, including Brighton & Hove and Liverpool, and from Jersey and Guernsey and the Isle of Man.

The first telephone enquiry is free — arrange a free initial call to explain what happened and check whether a review is likely to help. A full clinical consultation with Ms Pearsall costs £250. Treatment prices are listed on the pricing page and confirmed in writing after examination.

This article is general information written for patients and does not replace an individual examination.