Giant cell angiofibroma of the nasolacrimal duct

To describe clinical and histologic features of the first case, to our knowledge, of giant cell angiofibroma located in the nasolacrimal duct region in a 28-year-old woman.

Interventional case report. A left nasolacrimal duct tumor was excised en bloc by lateral rhinotomy. Histopathologic examination was performed with the use of light microscopy. Immunohistochemical staining included S-100 protein, muscle-specific actin, desmin, myoglobin, vimentin, and CD34.

The lesion was characterized by haphazardly arranged oval to spindled cells, a myxoid and collagenous stroma, multinucleated giant cells, prominent blood vessels, and pseudovascular spaces. Tumor cells were strongly positive for vimentin and CD34 and were negative for other antigens. After excision, there has been no recurrence over 4 years of follow-up.

Originally described as an orbital tumor, giant cell angiofibroma also may occur in the nasolacrimal duct and lacrimal sac region. This mesenchymal neoplasm should be included in the differential diagnosis of lacrimal drainage system tumors.