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  • Q&A with Australian Health Practitioners

    What does eye lump removal involve?

    What is involved in having a lump removed from the right eye that is in corner of the eye, close to nose and very close to tear duct.
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  • 14

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    Dr Zelda Pick is an Ophthalmologist and subspecialist Oculoplastic surgeon.She has subspecialty expertise in:• Diseases of the eyelids• Skin cancers of the eyelids: removal and … View Profile

    The process depends on where the lump is and what it is. If the lump is a new growth it should be removed or biopsied to exclude a malignancy (cancer).

    A lump on the white of the eye can often be removed or biopsied while you are awake, using local anesthetic to numb the area plus sedative medications to make you feel relaxed and sleepy. This will usually be a very quick procedure if the lump is small. The lump is then sent to a laboratory to be examined by a pathologist to exclude any malignancy, which might require further treatment.

    A lump on the eyelid will generally be treated in the same way, avoiding the tear duct if possible (damage to which can cause a watery eye). If the results show that the lump is malignant a wider area may need to be removed later.

    If the lump is larger or if you are unlikely to manage the procedure awake, you may require a general anaesthetic (be asleep for the procedure).

    After the procedure the eye may be irritable and red or bruised for a few days, but it is unlikely to be very painful. You would need to apply a soothing antibiotic ointment.

    There are many conditions which can cause a lump on the white of the eye or on the eyelids. I recommend that you see an ophthalmologist for a full examination and to plan further treatment.

  • 5

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    Kate Rockell

    HealthShare Member

    Thank you for your reply. I have taken your advice and have seen a Ophthalmologist at the Royal Victorian Eye hospital here in Melbourne. The doctor says he thinks the lump is malignant but won't know for certain until it is removed and sent away for testing. In the mean time I have now been booked in for a Removal of Medial Canthal Tumour Right +/- Intubation. The Ophthalmoligist has not told me any thing about this surgery and I am quite sacred and worried about it. I have tried to reserch this surgery but can not find any information at all on this type of surgery. Are you able to help with telling me what are the risks to this type of surgery. I need to be extra careful when it comes to any type of surgery as unfortanuly I have a blood cancer condition called essential thrombycoytois (High blood patelets) so naturally I am extremly concern about bleeding or cloting risks. I have informed the hospital about this and asked for information on what this surgery was about or involved but was dismissed and told I do not need to know the details. I feel if I know a little of the risks before the opeeration then I can discuss things with my haematology proffesor in regards to future care etc to me this is important especially if this lump turns out to be a nasty lump or cancer. Thank you for reading this. If you can't answer my question do you know where I might get a answer to my question.

    Thank you. Kate

  • 1

    Thanks

    Dr Zelda Pick is an Ophthalmologist and subspecialist Oculoplastic surgeon.She has subspecialty expertise in:• Diseases of the eyelids• Skin cancers of the eyelids: removal and … View Profile

    Dear Kate,

    I'm glad you are have seen a specialist and are getting the problem sorted promptly. It is not really possible for me to give you the specific details of your operation as I haven't assessed you or been involved in your care. I did work at the eye and ear hospital until recently, and you will see the surgeon on the day of your surgery and have an opportunity to ask questions then. I suggest writing them down in advance. You can talk to your haematologist about the specifics of managing bleeding and clotting around the time of surgery, and if he or she thinks any arrangements need to be made prior to surgery you can call the surgical booking clerk to arrange this. 

    All the best, Zelda Pick

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