Adenoid cystic carcinoma of the antrum and epiphora

Tearing was the initial symptom in two patients who subsequently developed a mass over the anterior lacrimal crest area caused by adenoid cystic carcinoma of the antrum. In a 76-year-old woman, a paranasal sinus X-ray film revealed an antral mass, and the histopathologic diagnosis was made by incisional biopsy. She refused further examination and treatment. In a 62-year-old woman, a paranasal sinus X-ray film and computed axial tomography examination revealed an antral mass. Epiphora caused by obstruction of the nasolacrimal sac was shown by dacryocystography. Bony destruction of the medial orbital floor was shown by paranasal sinus X-ray film, and confirmed at the time of initial biopsy. Orbital exenteration and radical maxillectomy and ethmoidectomy were performed, and the histopathologic diagnosis and primary site of the tumor were confirmed. There was no recurrence 24 months postoperatively.