Cavernous hemangioma of the lacrimal fossa

A 56-year-old woman presented with proptosis of the left eye for over 1 year. The clinical presentation and computerized tomographic scan findings were consistent with a benign mixed lacrimal gland tumor. An extensive excision of the tumor was planned through a lateral orbitotomy with bone flap. After construction of the bone flap, the clinical appearance of the tumor was not consistent with a benign mixed lacrimal gland tumor. Frozen section pathology was interpreted as cavernous hemangioma. A simple excision of the tumor with preservation of the lacrimal gland was performed. It is emphasized that benign mixed lacrimal gland tumors require extensive excision to prevent recurrence. However, other tumors may have a similar clinical presentation, as in this case, and the surgeon must consider this possibility prior to performing radical surgery.