An anatomic and histologic study of the caruncle

Purpose: To descibe the histologic features of the caruncle and to determin e its anatomic relationship to the common canaliculus. Methods: Specimens from preserved and fresh-frozen cadavers were studied hi stopathologically. Results: The average distance between the external surface of the caruncle and the common canaliculus was 0.85 mm, whereas the shortest distance measu red was 0.50 mm. Several histologic abnormalities (oncocytic change, apocri ne metaplasia, and microscopic stones) were identified in specimens that ap peared clinically normal. Conclusion: Caution should be exercised when operations are performed on or near the caruncle to avoid inadvertent damage to the canalicular system.