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Surgical Treatment of an Endolymphatic Sac Tumor
Published on: May 26, 2023
Malignant lacrimal sac tumors
A Montalban1, B Liétin, C Louvrier
1UFR médecine, service d'ORL et de chirurgie cervicofaciale, CHU de Clermont-Ferrand, université Clermont 1, BP 69, 63003 Clermont-Ferrand cedex 1, France.
European Annals of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Diseases
|November 2, 2010
Summary
Malignant lacrimal sac tumors are rare but aggressive, with squamous cell carcinoma being the most common type. Complete surgical removal with wide excision is crucial for effective treatment and reducing recurrence rates.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Oncology
- Pathology
Background:
- Lacrimal sac tumors are predominantly primary and epithelial, with a 55% malignancy rate.
- Malignant lacrimal sac tumors have a significant mortality rate (mean 38%), influenced by stage and type.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review institutional experience with malignant lacrimal sac tumors.
- To compare institutional findings with existing literature on these rare malignancies.
Main Methods:
- A 15-year retrospective review of seven patients diagnosed with malignant lacrimal sac tumors.
- Analysis of clinical records for symptoms, investigations, pathology, treatment, and outcomes.
- Comparison of collected data with published literature.
Main Results:
- All patients presented with epiphora and a palpable mass; two had a history of recurrent dacryocystitis.
- Histological diagnoses included squamous cell carcinoma (5 cases), adenoid cystic carcinoma (1 case), and malignant lymphoma (1 case).
- Six patients underwent surgery, four received adjuvant radiotherapy, and one had radiotherapy alone; two recurrences were observed.
Conclusions:
- Malignant epithelial lacrimal sac tumors are uncommon and associated with high recurrence rates.
- Accurate diagnosis and treatment necessitate a multidisciplinary approach.
- Complete surgical excision is the primary treatment modality for these tumors.
