Malignant mixed tumor of the lacrimal gland

This paper reports a case of carcinoma arising in a benign mixed tumor of lacrimal gland following multiple recurrences. The patient had eight recurrences of the benign lesion and after 32 years developed an adenocarcinoma associated with recurrent nodules of still recognizable benign mixed tumor. The literature on malignant mixed tumors of the lacrimal gland is reviewed noting the confusion in diagnostic terminology in early reports. Our patient illustrates the resemblance between malignant mixed tumor (carcinoma arising in pleomorphic adenoma) of lacrimal and salivary gland both clinically and pathologically.