Factors affecting the survival of patients with lacrimal gland tumours

This paper presents the clinical and pathological findings in 54 consecutive patients with primary tumours of the lacrimal gland. In the 30 cases of benign mixed-cell tumour the results of total surgical removal of the affected gland were good: no recurrences were noted during a follow-up period of up to 12 years. For patients with carcinoma of the lacrimal gland the outlook is generally poor, but 7 of the 24 patients in this series, all 7 of whom were treated surgically, have survived without recurrence for 5 years or more. The methods of treating these patients are described and the criteria used for choosing therapy discussed.