I don't know if it's always been this way, but my left lacrimal caruncle looks bigger & redder than my right. optometrist next week. malignancy?

Doubtful!: While cancer can occur anywhere, it is still relatively rare, especially there. You are doing the best thing by getting it checked though, to be sure. Avoid scents and aerosols and use only hypoallergenic skin care products as irritation from scents and aerosols can cause irritation to the eyes, as well as to the linings of the respiratory tract (ears, nose, throat and lungs) and to the skin.