Clinical presentation, differential diagnosis and treatment of lacrimal gland tumours

Abstract

We describe the tumours occurring in the lacrimal gland fossa region, the important symptoms and the principles of the therapy. We surveyed the patients observed and operated at the National Institute of Neurosurgery, Budapest, Hungary. Space-occupying lesions of lacrimal gland fossa are: 1. Epithelial lacrimal gland tumours, which may be benign or malignant (benign pleomorphic adenoma, malignant pleomorphic adenocarcinoma, adenoid cystic carcinoma, other carcinomas). 2. Lymphoproliferative tumours (lymphoma, leukaemia, Hodgkin's disease, lymphosarcoma, plasmocytoma). 3. Pseudotumours (chronic inflammation, granuloma, sarcoidosis, reactive lymphoid hyperplasia). 4. Other tumours (dermoid cyst, haemangioma, neurinoma, haemangiopericytoma, metastatic tumour). In our Institute, 42% of the tumours of the lacrimal fossa was epithelial, 50% was lymphoid or pseudotumour, and 8% other tumours. Of the 59 primary epithelial tumours 62.7% was benign and 37.3% was malignant. The differential diagnosis and management are based on the clinical presentations, imaging studies and histological examination. Pleomorphic adenomas of the lacrimal gland should be diagnosed on radiological and clinical evidence, and biopsy avoided to prevent the recurrences and malignant transformation. The prognosis of pleomorphic adenomas depends on the early diagnosis and radical surgical excision of the lesion. In cases of suspected malignant epithelial tumours, lymphomas and pseudotumours, biopsy is indicated for the choice of appropriate treatment.