Overview of benign and malignant lacrimal gland tumors

The goal of this article is to review the key clinical and radiological features, treatment strategies, and prognosis of lacrimal gland tumors.

Debulking of the orbital lobe of the lacrimal gland may offer improved control rates in dacryoadenitis without compromise of tear film function. Contrary to previous belief, careful biopsy of the lacrimal gland prior to excision does not appear to increase the risk of recurrence in cases with suspected pleomorphic adenoma. Low-dose radiation (4 Gy) in two 2-Gy fractions appears to be effective and well tolerated in indolent non-Hodgkin lymphoma of the ocular adnexa with high local control rate. Eye-sparing surgery for adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) leaving minimal or no tumor residual in the orbit followed by adjuvant radiation therapy or chemoradiotherapy may provide good local control and long-term survival outcomes. Intra-arterial chemotherapy has been found to decrease recurrence and improve survival in ACC and can also be used as part of an eye-sparing treatment strategy. The development of targeted drugs may offer palliation for patients with unresectable or metastatic disease in lacrimal gland carcinoma.

This article offers an update on diagnosis, management, and prognosis of the major lacrimal gland lesions.