Schwannomas of the lacrimal gland fossa

Schwannomas are rare benign nerve sheath tumours that account for 1% of orbital tumours and, although sometimes associated with neurofibromatosis, most occur as isolated lesions and arise from branches of the ciliary or trigeminal nerves.

Two rare cases of Schwannoma arising within the lacrimal gland fossa are presented, these tumours being managed with intact surgical excision.

A 66-year-old Caucasian female was referred with 6 months of progressive left painless proptosis and intermittent diplopia. Restriction of left upgaze was associated with 3 mm relative proptosis. On a presumptive preoperative diagnosis of pleomorphic adenoma, the patient underwent a bone-swinging lateral orbitotomy with intact excision of a moderately-firm, lobulated lesion which proved to be a Schwannoma. A 30-year-old White female was referred with a 4-year history of slowly progressive right supratemporal periocular lump. There was 2 mm of right relative proptosis and slight restriction of right extraocular movements. Although lacrimal gland remnants were present at the edge of both specimens, at surgery it was evident that the tumours completely occupied the lacrimal gland fossa and any normal orbital lobe of the lacrimal gland had undergone atrophy.

Two very rare cases of Schwannoma arising within the lacrimal gland fossa are presented, the tumours causing complete atrophy of the normal orbital lobe of the lacrimal gland.