Epithelial lacrimal gland tumors: A comprehensive clinicopathologic review of 26 lesions with radiologic correlation

Aim

To study the prevalence, clinicopathological and radiological correlations of epithelial lacrimal gland tumors and compare these with similar published literature. The study was also designed to look at the natural history of benign mixed tumors (BMT) in regard to recurrence and malignant degeneration.

Methods

This was a retrospective study of all suspected epithelial tumors of the lacrimal gland surgically excised at King Khaled Eye Specialist Hospital (KKESH) for the period: 1983–2008. Exclusion criteria included structural lesions (dacryops) and inflammatory lesions. We included 26 cases of epithelial lacrimal gland tumors (from 24 patients). The histopathologic slides and the radiologic findings were reviewed. The corresponding demographic and clinical data were obtained by chart review using a data sheet.

Results

BMT accounted for 12/26 of the lesions while malignant lesions including adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) were more common (14/26). The mean age was 44.27 years (range 12–75). Commonest clinical presentation was proptosis. Median duration of symptoms in the BMT cases was 30 months and 7 months in the ACC group. The 12 BMT cases were primary in 9 and recurrent in 3 patients. The 11 ACC cases showed mostly cribriform pattern and low histopathologic grade. We had 2 cases of malignant mixed tumor (MMT) one of which arising in a recurrent tumor. One case of primary mucoepidermoid carcinoma with histopathologic grade 2 was noted. Radiologically, a well-defined appearance with bone remodeling was observed in BMT in contrast to invasive appearance with destruction in malignant lesions.

Conclusion

Our series information indicated a different distribution of benign and malignant epithelial lesions with a slightly higher rate of malignancy. BMT was the commonest benign tumor where recurrence was a squeal of incomplete surgical excision. ACC was the commonest malignant tumor with shorter duration of symptoms and radiologic evidence of invasiveness that correlated with the histopathologic features.