[Mixed tumor in the lower eyelid of Moll's gland origin].

BACKGROUND

Mixed tumors originating from both tubular epithelial and myoepithelial cells usually develop in the major lacrimal gland of the ocular adnexa. They rarely develop in the eyelid. Mixed tumors arising from Moll's glands are extremely rare.

CASE

A 35-year-old woman reported a mass in the margin of the left lower eyelid of 5 years' duration. The tumor size was 4 mm and total resection of the lesion was performed. Histopathological examination showed a well-circumscribed nodular lesion located in the dermis; containing fibrous, hyaline and myxoid elements. The tumor growth showed cords and nests of proliferating tubular epithelial and myoepithelial cells. Spindle-shaped myoepithelial cells were observed. The tumor was diagnosed as a mixed tumor. Immunohistochemically, the tumor cells were positive for S-100 protein, and proliferative lesions of tubular epithelial cell origin were strongly positive for gross cystic disease fluid protein-15 (GCDFP-15).

CONCLUSION

Mixed tumors of the eyelid may arise from the accessory lacrimal glands of Krause and Wolfring, eccrine sweat glands or apocrine (Moll's) sweat glands. This case was considered to be of Moll's gland origin because of its location, the features of the surrounding tissue, its composition of tubular epithelial cells and its positive staining for GCDFP-15.