Oculoplastics · practice question
Obstruction of which gland produces this lesion?
A patient has a painless, firm nodule within the tarsal plate that everts to reveal a focus on the conjunctival surface. Obstruction of which gland produces this lesion?
Show the answer and explanationAnswer and explanation
Answer: A. A meibomian gland
A chalazion is a chronic lipogranulomatous reaction to a blocked meibomian gland within the tarsal plate, presenting as a firm nodule pointing to the conjunctival surface. Zeis and Moll glands at the lash line instead give an external hordeolum (stye) when infected.
Clinical pearl: A recurrent or atypical "chalazion," especially with lash loss, must be biopsied to exclude sebaceous carcinoma.