Benign Lacrimal Gland Tumors

Tumors of the lacrimal gland fossa comprise roughly 10% of all orbital masses. There are 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 benign lacrimal gland tumors. 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 benign lesions grow slowly and without pain, so these changes may manifest over long periods of time, averaging 1 to 2 years before diagnosis, compared to 6 months or less for malignant lesions. Many patients report a vague asymmetry of the middle third of the face as their initial, primary concern. Occasionally, lacrimal gland masses are noted incidentally during a routine eye exam or on imaging for an unrelated issue.