Lacrimal Gland Carcinoma: Primary

1 Signs and Symptoms

Typical symptoms of carcinoma in the lacrimal gland include periocular pain, ptosis (mild and more temporal usually), and inferonasal displacement of the globe. Double vision and loss of sensation of the forehead and temporal region can also occur. Symptoms are usually present for less than 6–12 months prior to presentation.

2 Differential Diagnosis

Same as for pleomorphic adenoma. The most common type of malignant epithelial lacrimal gland tumor is adenoid cystic carcinoma, but the other carcinomas are also in the differential including: primary adenocarcinoma, carcinoma ex-pleomorphic adenoma, mucoepidermoid carcinoma, acinic cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and malignant myoepithelial carcinoma.

3 Diagnosis

Clinical suspicion is based on typical findings on imaging and clinical course. If a carcinoma of the lacrimal gland is suspected, an incisional biopsy is usually performed to establish diagnosis.

4 Treatment

Treatment is based on multiple factors...