PRIMARY DUCTAL ADENOCARCINOMA OF THE LACRIMAL GLAND

Purpose: To their knowledge, the authors report the first recognized c ase of ductal adenocarcinoma of the lacrimal gland (histologic equival ent of salivary duct carcinoma). Primary adenocarcinoma of the lacrima l gland is rare and has been described generically. In contrast, prima ry adenocarcinomas of the major and minor salivary glands are much mor e common and have been classified into histopathologic subtypes that h ave different clinical characteristics and outcomes. Methods: A 68-yea r-old man presented with a 6-month history of a painless mass in the r ight upper outer eyelid. The authors describe the clinical, radiologic , and histopathologic features of this case and review the lacrimal gl and literature. Results: A modified en bloc orbitectomy was performed, and postoperative radiotherapy was administered. The patient was aliv e and well without evidence of tumor recurrence 10 months after surger y. Conclusion: The World Health Organization classification of salivar y adenocarcinomas (1991) provides a framework for further insight into the presentation and biologic behavior of the less common lacrimal ca rcinomas.