[Primary malignant tumors of the lacrimal sac and nasolacrimal duct].
OBJECTIVE
To assess the clinical characteristics, the workup, therapeutic approach and pathological findings of primitive tumors of the lacrimal sac.


METHODS
Three cases were retrospectively reviewed from the database of our ENT department. They were analyzed and compared to cases reported in the literature.


RESULTS
One adenoid cystic carcinoma and two adenocarcinomas were observed, all were adults and the sex ratio was one man for 2 women. Clinically they presented neither significant lacrimal or rhinologic sign. A CT-scan and a MRI were performed along with a physical examination. An entire surgical resection was done with subsequent postoperative radiotherapy. Two patients died, and one is alive, free of disease.


CONCLUSIONS
Lacrimal tumors should be considered in the differential diagnosis of a banal chronic epiphora. The ENT practitioner must associate this factor to any clinical evaluation. The management of these lesions requires a complete surgical resection, routinely associated with postoperative radiation.
Choussy
O
O
Service d'ORL et de chirurgie cervicofaciale, CHU de Rouen, hôpital Charles-Nicolle, 1, rue de Germont, 76031 Rouen cedex, France. olivier.choussy@chu-rouen.fr
Babin
E
E
Delas
B
B
Bailhache
A
A
François
A
A
Marie
J-P
JP
Dehesdin
D
D
D000230:Adenocarcinoma / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery; D000368:Aged; D005134:Eye Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007765:Lacrimal Apparatus / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009301:Nasolacrimal Duct / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery; D012189:Retrospective Studies