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Updated: Aug 8, 2026

Impression Cytology of the Lid Wiper Area
Published on: August 9, 2016
[A clear cell type meningioma in the upper eyelid ascertained by immunohistochemical examination]
S Harada1, D Watanabe, H Kaneko
1Department of Ophthalmology, Teikyo University School of Medicine, 2-11-1 Kaga, Itabashi-ku, Tokyo 173-8605, Japan.
Insights
This report details a rare clear cell meningioma in the upper eyelid. Immunohistochemistry confirmed the diagnosis, highlighting its value in identifying uncommon meningioma subtypes.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Neuropathology
- Oncology
Background:
- Meningiomas are rare tumors originating from meninges.
- Clear cell meningioma is an uncommon subtype with distinct histological features.
- Eyelid involvement by meningioma is exceptionally rare.
Observation:
- A 66-year-old male presented with a slow-growing, well-defined tumor in the left upper eyelid.
- Computed tomography revealed a homogeneous, contrast-enhancing mass.
- Histological examination showed oval cells with clear cytoplasm in streamed and whorl patterns, lacking psammoma bodies or calcification.
Findings:
- Immunohistochemistry revealed positivity for vimentin, epithelial membrane antigen, and protein S-100.
- These markers are characteristic of meningioma cells.
- The histological and immunohistochemical profile confirmed a clear cell meningioma.
Implications:
- Eyelid meningiomas may arise from ectopic arachnoid cells associated with the trigeminal nerve sheath.
- Histological and immunohistochemical variability necessitates careful diagnostic evaluation.
- Accurate diagnosis is crucial for appropriate management and understanding of rare orbital tumors.
Background:
We encountered a rare case of clear cell meningioma in the upper eyelid.
Case:
A 66-year-old man presented with a slow by progressive, well-defined, soft globelar tumor in the left upper eyelid. The tumor showed homogeneous isodensity and was contrasty in a computed tomograph. Histologically, oval-shaped cells with clear cytoplasm had both streamed and whorl configurations, but showed neither psammomas nor calcification. Immunohistochemically, vimentin, epithelial membrane antigen, and protein S-100 were expressed by the tumor cells.
Conclusions:
Eyelid meningioma may originate from embryonal remains of the arachnoid in the sheath around the trigeminal nerve, and may vary histologically. Immunohistochemical examination helps to define cases of uncommon subtypes of meningioma.
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