Surgical treatment of lacrimal gland tumours

Abstract

Abstract Purpose The surgical treatment of Lacrimal gland tumors is often controversial and not so clear cut. Imaging and a full systemic evaluation lead to the decision as to which surgical approach best serves our purposes. The surgical management of Lacrimal gland tumors is discussed and the results of 31 cases in my experience are presented. Methods The surgical approach used is carefully chosen according to the type of disease presentation. All 31 patients in this series had neuroimaging and full work up and 30 underwent incision or excision biopsy. Selected cases are discussed. Results : Surgical Approaches chosen for the Lacrimal gland in this case series included Trans‐Septal Orbitotomy, and Lateral Orbitotomy. Disease spectrum included Idiopathic orbital inflammatory disease (8), Orbital Sarcoid (7), Lymphoma (3), Sjrogens disease (3), Benign Mixed Tumour (2), Infectious mononucleosis (2) Angiolymphoid Hyperplasia (2), Sebaceous Cell Carcinoma (1), Churge Strause syndrome (1), Dermoid Cyst (1), Epithelial Inclusion Cyst(1). Conclusion Biopsy of a Lacrimal gland mass is relatively simple and is recommended. The approach should be considered carefully and an excision biopsy should be performed where possible. Surgical management and surprising pathology results can have significant implications for the patient.