A lacrimal gland cyst in the orbit

Of the many cysts encountered in the orbital region, cysts that originate from ducts of the lacrimal gland seem to be particularly rare. The lining of these cysts is characteristic and shows one to two layers of cuboidal-to-cylindrical cells without goblet cells. From as few as ten cases the author was able to collect from the literature, the impression prevails that these cysts originate from ectopic gland tissue. A girl of 26 months of age with such a lacrimal gland cyst in the orbit, behind the globe, is described. The young age of the patient and the location of the cyst in the depths of the orbit are rather unusual features. A lateral orbitotomy was used to remove the cyst.