Primary Adenocarcinoma of the Lacrimal Gland

A benign presentation of primary ductal adenocarcinoma of lacrimal gland: A rare malignancy

“…[ 3 ] Among epithelial lesions, 55% are benign, and 45% are malignant. [ 1 ] Furthermore, among the malignancies, adenoid cystic carcinoma is the most frequently found (66%), followed by a carcinoma-ex-pleomorphic adenoma (18%), primary adenocarcinoma (9%), and mucoepidermoid carcinoma (3%), in that order. [ 1 ]…”

“…[ 3 4 5 ] This tumor arises in the upper eyelid and usually presents as a mass accompanied by symptoms such as rapid growth, pseudoptosis, exophthalmos, dystopia, pain, and reduced visual acuity. [ 1 2 ] However, patients with this disease are usually symptomless initially, leading them to be diagnosed at an advanced stage. Radiological features which suggest malignancy are bony erosion, the irregular margin of the mass and focal calcification within the lesion.…”

“…[ 2 ] However, primary adenocarcinomas frequently present as well demarcated cystic lesions misleading the examiner into diagnosing it as benign. [ 1 ]…”

“…Usually, malignant lesions of the lacrimal gland are characterized by a rapid growth in <6 months, ptosis, ocular motility disturbances, diplopia, and bone erosion on radiographs. [ 1 ] The presence of pain in malignant tumors is another characteristic feature. [ 2 6 7 ] Her CT orbit had shown a well-defined regular homogenous enhancement of lacrimal gland mass but with no radiological features of malignancy.…”

“…Tumors originating from the lacrimal gland account for nearly 10% of all orbital tumors. [ 1 2 ] Epithelial tumors constitute about one-third of lacrimal gland tumors. [ 3 ] Of these epithelial tumors, the most common are a pleomorphic adenoma, adenoid cystic carcinoma, and not otherwise specified adenocarcinoma.…”