J Korean Ophthalmol Soc.  1978 Sep;19(3):289-293.

Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma in Lacrimal Gland

• Kim HB
• Kwon JS

Abstract

Neoplasms are the most common among the diseases of the lacrimal gland. Mixed tumor is the commonest tumor of the lacrimal gland. And adenoid cystic carcinoma is the most common in malignancy of lacrimal gland. Adenoid cystic carcinoma appears past middle life and has no sexual prevalence. The first important clinical sign is proptosis with eventual displacement of the globe downwards and inwards. Limitation of ocular movements may be noted to up and out. Often the vision is not greatly disturbed. The fundus is usually normal. The adenoid cystic carcinoma is seldom rapidly fatal. Metastasis may occur in the regional lymph nodes the pre-auricular, cervical and mediastinal-and occasionally general dissemination may appear in other organs as the liver and lungs. Intracranial spread of the tumor results in death. The treatment of choice is surgical removal of the tumor. However, if they are not completely removed, it will recur repeatedly. It is important to save the eyeball when the tumor can not be removed completely. Radiation therapy may be tried preoperatively and post-operatively, but response to radiation therapy is generally unsatisfactory. A 27 year old Korean woman has been healthy until October, 1975, when she began to complain of painful progressive exophthalmos (O.D.). On physical examination, she was found to have a tender and hard mass in superior and temporal region of right orbit. Her visual acuity was 20/50(O.D.) and 20/20 (O.S.). There were no other abnormalities in her both eyes. On July 15, 1976, the surgical removal of the tumor was followed by radiation therapy. The tumor was reported to be a adenoid cystic carcinoma, She has been in good health for about 2 years since she received operation.

MeSH Terms

Adenoids*
Adult
Carcinoma, Adenoid Cystic*
Exophthalmos
Female
Humans
Lacrimal Apparatus*
Liver
Lung
Lymph Nodes
Neoplasm Metastasis
Orbit
Physical Examination
Prevalence
Visual Acuity