In-Depth Analysis of Incidence and Survival of Lacrimal Gland Malignancies in the United States of America from 1995 to 2018

Abstract

ABSTRACT Purpose To investigate lacrimal gland malignancies’ incidence and survival rates in the USA between 1995 and 2018. Methods Incidence and survival data from the North American Association of Central Cancer Registries of lacrimal gland malignancies between 1996 and 2018 were extracted and analyzed. Results This study analyzed data pertaining to 3620 patients (females 56.7%, n = 2051). A sizable number of patients were 60–79 years of age (45.1%, n = 1633), with a substantial majority being of the non-Hispanic white ethnicity (82.9%, n = 3002). A little above half of patients (52.1%, n = 1886) had presented with a localized disease. Lymphomas represented 59.3% (n = 2146) of lacrimal gland malignancies, while 37% (n = 1339) were carcinomas. The cumulative age-adjusted incidence rate per million was 0.53 for all malignancies, 0.31 for lymphomas, and 0.2 for carcinomas. While the annual crude incidence rate showed a significant steady increase (average annual change of 1.24%; P < .05), age-adjusted rates did not show a similar trend. The five- and 10-year relative survival rates were 88.64 months (95% confidence interval (CI): 85.81–90.93) and 80.26 months (95%CI: 76.21–83.7), respectively. Older age, non-lymphoma tumors, and advanced stage at diagnosis were significantly associated with worse outcomes. Relative survival rates did not show significant changes from 1995 to 2018, irrespective of gender, race or treatment received. Conclusions Early detection and localized tumor management can improve survival outcomes for patients with lacrimal gland malignancies. Further research is needed to understand these malignancies’ risk profiles and develop more effective treatment strategies.