Related Experiment Video For Lacrimal sac neoplasm
Updated: Apr 14, 2026
Surgical Treatment of an Endolymphatic Sac Tumor
Published on: May 26, 2023
Clinical features and imaging findings of early lacrimal sac neoplasms: a retrospective study
Jian Yu1,2,3, Yinwen Bi4, Rongrong Cai4
1Eye Institute and Department of Ophthalmology, Eye & ENT Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
Background:
Early lacrimal sac neoplasms are often misdiagnosed as lacrimal duct obstruction, delaying appropriate treatment, accelerating tumor progression, and worsening prognosis. By systematically reviewing and summarizing these characteristics, we aimed to assist ophthalmologists and otolaryngologists in accurately diagnosing and managing early-stage lacrimal sac neoplasms.
Methods:
In this retrospective study, patients presenting with epiphora were diagnosed with either lacrimal sac neoplasms or mucoceles. Diagnostic assessments included computed tomography (CT), enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and pathological analysis.
Results:
The study comprised 9 patients (2 male, 7 female) with lacrimal sac neoplasms; 44% had malignancies, and the remaining 56% exhibited benign conditions. There was no statistically significant difference in mean tumor volume or margin characteristics between patients with neoplasms and those with mucoceles. There was no statistically significant difference in the mean width of the nasolacrimal canal between patients with neoplasms (6.49±3.68 mm) and mucoceles (5.50±1.88 mm) (P=0.44). However, the depth of the nasolacrimal canal was significantly greater in the neoplasm group (5.08±3.21 mm) compared to the mucocele group (2.85±0.96 mm) (P=0.042). Notably, lacrimal sac mass extended above the medial canthal tendon in 8 neoplasm patients, unlike any in the mucocele group, demonstrating distinct pathological presentations. Additionally, the diseased eyes in the neoplasm group showed significantly greater nasolacrimal canal width and depth compared to the contralateral eyes (all P<0.05), whereas the mucocele group showed only slightly increased nasolacrimal canal width compared with the contralateral eyes.
Conclusions:
The findings suggest that patients with a lacrimal sac mass extending above the medial canthal tendon and a nasolacrimal canal deeper than the contralateral side should undergo contrast-enhanced MRI for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.
