Ectopic lacrimal gland cyst of the orbit

Lacrimal duct cysts are not common. It is extremely rare when a lacrimal duct cyst and an ectopic lacrimal gland develop in the orbital cavity. A unique case of an ectopic lacrimal gland cyst of the orbit is presented. A 33-year-old man had a palpable mass above the inferior medial orbital rim for nearly two years. An ocular examination was normal except for a movable, firm mass found in the anterior nasal inferior orbit of the right eye. An echogram revealed a homogeneous, hypoechoic cystic mass. Computed tomography of the orbit showed a well-encapsulated lesion in the lower orbit of the right eye near the inferior rectus muscle, without bony erosion. A tense, thin-walled, clear fluid-filled cyst measuring 15 x 12 x 13 mm in size was completely enucleated without rupture by anterior orbitotomy. Pathologic examination disclosed a small nest of normal gland tissue surrounded by a cystic lesion lined with two layers of lacrimal duct epithelium cells. No recurrent signs were noticed during a 12-month period of follow-up.