What is the typical examination finding for a chalazion?

• A. Painless lump on eyelid that is fast-growing.
• B. Nontender lump that is slow-growing.
• C. Red, tender swelling with crusting.
• D. It is typically associated with fever.

Answer: (B)

Chalazion is a chronic blockage of a meibomian gland that leads to a sterile granulomatous inflammation. On exam, the classic finding is a firm, localized eyelid lump that is painless (nontender) and grows slowly over weeks. It is not red or acutely inflamed, and fever is not typical. This slow, non-painful progression distinguishes it from a stye, which is painful and red, or from cellulitis, which often includes fever and more diffuse eyelid swelling. So a nontender lump on the eyelid that enlarges slowly best fits a chalazion.