Neuroepithelial adenocarcinoma of the eye

A 29-year-old male patient with a microphthalmos on the right side since birth was seen in June 1987 in the University Eye Clinic because of a massive exophthalmus of the former microphthalmic eye. Computer tomography revealed a diffuse, infiltrating tumor of the right orbit. The bulbus was not demarcated, and the whole orbita had to be eviscerated. Histologically, we found a solid, undifferentiated tumor with clear signs of malignancy. It consisted of epithelial cells, partly in nest formation, which were keratin positive and vimentin negative, and of more spindle-shaped formations which were keratin negative and vimentin positive. In some areas, the tumor showed a tubular or an adenoid proliferation. CEA or S-100 could not be demonstrated. The histopathological diagnosis was neuroepithelial adenocarcinoma of the eye. The differential diagnosis and the genesis of the tumor are discussed.