Clinical characteristics, radiologic features, and histopathology of biopsied lacrimal gland tumors

Sci Rep. 2023 Oct 3;13(1):16615. doi: 10.1038/s41598-023-43817-0.

Abstract

Herein, we described the clinicopathologic and radiologic features of biopsied lacrimal gland tumors. A retrospective case series of 79 patients treated between 2004 and 2021 was reviewed. The median age was 48.9 years (range 18.3-88.3 years), with 51.9% females. The histopathologic diagnoses were as follows: immunoglobulin G4-related disease (IgG4-RD) = 23, reactive lymphoid hyperplasia = 14, lymphoma = 14, nonspecific inflammation = 10, adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) = 9, and pleomorphic adenoma = 9. The proportion of histopathologic diagnoses did not differ significantly over the range of symptom durations (≤ 1 month, > 1-3 months, > 3 months). Patients with ACC had significantly shorter symptom duration and more frequent proptosis than those with pleomorphic adenoma (p = 0.040 and p = 0.009, respectively). Patients with IgG4-RD were older (median 54.3 years) than those with nonspecific inflammation (36.2 years; p = 0.046). Patients with ACC were more likely to present with diplopia than those with lymphoma (p < 0.001). The superior wedge sign increased the likelihood of ACC compared with that of non-epithelial non-malignant lacrimal gland tumors (relative risk ratio = 13.44, p = 0.002). The overall survival of patients with ACC and lymphoma did not differ significantly. Although these patients present with a short symptom duration, urgent orbital imaging, tissue biopsy, and prompt treatment should be performed in patients with lacrimal gland tumors.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adenoma, Pleomorphic* / pathology
  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Biopsy / methods
  • Carcinoma, Adenoid Cystic* / pathology
  • Eye Neoplasms* / pathology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulin G4-Related Disease* / pathology
  • Inflammation / pathology
  • Lacrimal Apparatus Diseases* / diagnostic imaging
  • Lacrimal Apparatus Diseases* / pathology
  • Lacrimal Apparatus* / diagnostic imaging
  • Lacrimal Apparatus* / pathology
  • Lymphoma* / pathology
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Young Adult