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Beware the empty curette!
Geraldine Cunniffe1, Bernard Y P Chang, Susan Kennedy
1Oculoplastics/Adnexal Unit, Royal Victoria Eye and Ear Hospital, Dublin, Ireland. gcunniffe@hotmail.com
Background And Objective:
Chalazions are a common occurrence in the eyelids due to chronic inflammation in the tarsal plate. Treatment of non-resolving cases may involve incision and curettage. Chalazions that are recurrent should arouse suspicion. We present a case of a pleomorphic adenoma of the palpebral portion of the lacrimal gland, which was misdiagnosed as a chalazion.
Patient And Methods:
A 41-year-old Caucasian lady initially presented with a swelling in the outer part of her right upper eyelid. A diagnosis of chalazion was made and two attempts at incision and curettage failed to resolve the lesion. She was then referred to the oculoplastics/adnexal unit. A more detailed examination revealed involvement of the palpebral part of her lacrimal gland. A CT-scan confirmed this and she proceeded to have a lateral orbitotomy to remove the tumour.
Results:
Histological confirmation of a pleomorphic adenoma of the palpebral portion of the lacrimal gland was obtained. The lacrimal gland had been completely excised.
Conclusion:
Persistent or recurrent meibomian cyst should be treated with suspicion. A careful orbital examination including lid eversion should always be performed to outrule a more sinister pathology.