Author(s): Duarte, AF ; Alpuim Costa, D ; Caçador, N ; Boavida, AM ; Afonso, AM ; Vilares, M ; Devoto, Martin
Date: 2021
Persistent ID: http://hdl.handle.net/10400.26/37287
Origin: Saúde - CUF
Subject(s): 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.
