Lacrimal Gland Malignancies

Tumors of the lacrimal gland fossa account for about 10% of all biopsied orbital masses. There is a wide variety of etiologies for these masses, including infectious, inflammatory, and neoplastic. Furthermore, neoplastic lesions can either be benign or malignant. This activity will focus on malignant lacrimal gland tumors (broadly called lacrimal gland carcinomas). Since the lacrimal gland fossa is in the anterior superolateral orbit, space-occupying lesions of this area of the orbit typically cause inferior and medial globe displacement. Proptosis is not always seen but can be present if the posterior growth of a mass pushes the eye forward. Most malignant lesions grow quicker than benign lesions, averaging less than six months from onset to diagnosis compared to 1 to 2 years for benign lesions. Malignant lacrimal gland lesions generally carry a poor prognosis; thus, quick and early identification is critical to improving a patient's morbidity and mortality. See  Lacrimal Gland Malignancy.