An Update on Tumors of the Lacrimal Gland

• Published in: Asia-Pacific journal of ophthalmology (Philadelphia, Pa.) Vol. 6; no. 2; pp. 159 - 172
• Main Authors: Andreasen, Simon, Esmaeli, Bita, Holstein, Sarah Linéa von, Mikkelsen, Lauge Hjorth, Rasmussen, Peter Kristian, Heegaard, Steffen
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 01-03-2017
• Subjects: Combined Modality Therapy; Eye Neoplasms - classification; Eye Neoplasms - pathology; Eye Neoplasms - therapy; Humans; Lacrimal Apparatus - pathology; Lacrimal Apparatus Diseases - classification; Lacrimal Apparatus Diseases - pathology; Lacrimal Apparatus Diseases - therapy; Neoplasm Staging; Neoplasms, Glandular and Epithelial - classification; Neoplasms, Glandular and Epithelial - pathology; Neoplasms, Glandular and Epithelial - therapy; Prognosis; treatment; lacrimal gland; carcinoma; prognosis; lymphoma
• ISSN: 2162-0989; 2162-0989
• DOI: 10.22608/APO.201707

Lacrimal gland tumors are rare and constitute a wide spectrum of different entities ranging from benign epithelial and lymphoid lesions to high-grade carcinomas, lymphomas, and sarcomas with large differences in prognosis and clinical management. The symptoms and findings of a lacrimal gland lesion are a growing mass at the site of the lacrimal gland, including displacement of the eyeball, decreased motility, diplopia, and ptosis. Pain is the cardinal symptom of an adenoid cystic carcinoma. Radiological findings characteristically include an oval, well-demarcated mass for benign lesions whereas malignant lesions typically display calcifications, destruction of bone, and invasion of adjacent structures. The diagnosis ultimately relies on histology, as does the choice of treatment and the prognosis. In recent years, the understanding of the biology of numerous types of lacrimal gland neoplasia has improved and the choice of treatment has changed accordingly and holds further promise for future targeted therapies. Treatment of benign epithelial lesions is surgical excision whereas carcinomas often require adjuvant radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy. In contrast, the cornerstone in management of lymphoid lesions is chemotherapy, often including a monoclonal antibody. This article presents an update on the clinical, radiological, histological, and molecular features, along with treatment strategies for tumors of the lacrimal gland.