Adenoid cystic carcinoma of the palpebral lobe of the lacrimal gland – case report and literature review

• Main Author: Duarte, AF
• Publication Date: 2021
• Other Authors: Alpuim Costa, D, Caçador, N, Boavida, AM, Afonso, AM, Vilares, M, Devoto, Martin
• Format: Article
• Language: eng
• Source: Repositórios Científicos de Acesso Aberto de Portugal (RCAAP)
• Download full: http://hdl.handle.net/10400.26/37287
• topic: Carcinoma Adenoide Quístico; Neoplasias dos Olhos; Neoplasias da Orbita; Carcinoma, Adenoid Cystic; Eye Neoplasms; Orbital Neoplasms

Epithelial tumors of the lacrimal gland are rare and usually develop in the orbital lobe. We report the exceedingly rare occurrence of a primary adenoid cystic carcinoma in the palpebral lobe of the lacrimal gland. A 26-year-old female was referred for evaluation of a gradually enlarging mass in the lateral upper eyelid, previously diagnosed as a chalazion. Computed tomography revealed a heterogeneous round lesion anterior to the orbital rim. Excisional biopsy was compatible with an adenoid cystic carcinoma. After excluding distant metastasis, and as the patient refused adjuvant radiotherapy, a second surgical procedure, with wide local excision, was indicated. Follow-up showed no recurrence. This case highlights the importance of performing a thorough clinical examination when diagnosing any lateral upper eyelid mass. A high index of suspicion for malignant tumors of the lacrimal gland should always be maintained, and a complete excision with histological analysis should be preferred whenever possible.