Adenoid cystic carcinoma developing in the nasal orbit.
OBJECTIVE
To describe the clinical, imaging, and histopathologic findings of an adenoid cystic carcinoma that occurred in the medial orbit.


METHODS
A 26-year-old man developed a painless soft tissue mass in the nasal aspect of the left orbit. Computed tomography was done, and incisional biopsy performed elsewhere disclosed adenoid cystic carcinoma. Orbital exenteration was performed.


RESULTS
Computed tomography showed a 1.5cm mass in the antronasal region of the orbit without bone erosion. Histopathology disclosed adenoid cystic carcinoma.


CONCLUSIONS
Although orbital adenoid cystic carcinoma usually originates superotemporally in the main lacrimal gland, it can develop in the nasal orbit, possibly from ectopic lacrimal gland tissue. Adenoid cystic carcinoma should be included in the differential diagnosis of tumors of the nasal orbit.
Shields
J A
JA
Oncology Service, Wills Eye Hospital, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA.
Shields
C L
CL
Eagle
R C
RC
Adkins
J
J
De Potter
P
P
D000328:Adult; D003528:Carcinoma, Adenoid Cystic / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009666:Nose; D017233:Orbit Evisceration; D009918:Orbital Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed