An Update on Tumors of the Lacrimal Gland

Simon Andreasen, Bita Esmaeli, Sarah Linéa von Holstein, Lauge Hjorth Mikkelsen, Peter Kristian Rasmussen, Steffen Heegaard

26 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

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.

Original languageEnglish
JournalAsia-Pacific Journal of Ophthalmology
Volume6
Issue number2
Pages (from-to)159-172
Number of pages14
ISSN2162-0989
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2017

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'An Update on Tumors of the Lacrimal Gland'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this