title: Adenoid cystic carcinoma of the lacrimal gland simulating a dermoid cyst in a 9-year-old boy.
abstract: Adenoid cystic carcinoma of the lacrimal gland is a malignant neoplasm that is generally found in adults and is usually managed by orbital exenteration and supplemental external beam irradiation or chemotherapy. A recent report has suggested that the tumor may have a less malignant course in children. We describe a case of adenoid cystic carcinoma of the lacrimal gland that simulated a dermoid cyst clinically and radiographically in a 9-year-old boy. The patient was treated with local surgical resection of the mass, followed by orbital plaque brachytherapy. Based on a review of the literature and our recent experience, the advisability of a more conservative approach to this tumor in selected cases is discussed. Although no prognostic conclusions can be drawn on the basis of a single case report with short follow-up, the relatively earlier detection of this tumor made possible by modern orbital imaging studies may allow total removal at an earlier stage and prevent orbital exenteration in a patient with normal vision. Recent developments suggest that there may be a basis for reassessing the advisability of a radical approach to the management of adenoid cystic carcinoma of the lacrimal gland in selected cases.
authors.affiliation: Oncology Service, Wills Eye Hospital, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pa., USA.
authors.forename: J A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Shields
authors.forename: C L
authors.initials: CL
authors.lastname: Shields
authors.forename: R C
authors.initials: RC
authors.lastname: Eagle
authors.forename: J E
authors.initials: JE
authors.lastname: Freire
authors.forename: G V
authors.initials: GV
authors.lastname: Mercado
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Schnall
mesh_terms: D001918:Brachytherapy; D003528:Carcinoma, Adenoid Cystic / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy; D002648:Child; D003884:Dermoid Cyst / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D006801:Humans; D007457:Iodine Radioisotopes / Q000627:therapeutic use; D007766:Lacrimal Apparatus Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy; D008297:Male; D013508:Ophthalmologic Surgical Procedures; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed
chemical_list: D007457:Iodine Radioisotopes