Basal Cell Carcinoma in Lacrimal Sac

Abstract

A 53-year-old woman was admitted to the hospital one year after the onset of her complaints. She suffered from epiphora and swelling in the lacrimal sac region. Biopsy revealed islets of classical basal cell carcinoma with peripheral formation of palisades within a hyperemic stroma. During surgery, the lacrimal drainage system and neighboring bony structures were completely excised. No local recurrences were detected on orbital tomography performed 6 and 15 months postoperatively. As far as the authors know, this is the first case of basal cell carcinoma in the lacrimal sac reported in the literature.

Basal cell carcinoma appearing to emanate from the punctum

“…Lacrimal sac invasion is rare, and canalicular involvement is even more uncommon. 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 A case of BCC originating in the lacrimal sac was depicted by Katircioglu et al, 6 while Altan-Yaycioglu et al described a lacrimal sac BCC with focal squamous differentiation. 11 …”

Basal cell carcinoma invasion of the lacrimal system

“…There are also several reported cases of primary BCC arising in the lacrimal system. However, BCC invasion of the lacrimal canaliculus or lacrimal sac is rare, with only 6 previously reported cases [1][2][3][4][5] (Table I).…”