Atypical presentations of pleomorphic adenoma of the lacrimal gland.
OBJECTIVE
To report 3 cases of pleomorphic adenoma of the lacrimal gland with atypical features.


METHODS
The medical records, radiographic imaging, operative reports, and tumor histopathology of 3 patients with unusual presentations of pleomorphic adenoma of the lacrimal gland were reviewed.


RESULTS
All 3 patients were females ranging in age from 18 to 64 years. The first patient presented with abrupt orbital inflammation mimicking orbital cellulitis. The second patient presented with a painful subcutaneous nodule. The last patient demonstrated calcification with bony erosion on orbital imaging. Orbitotomy was performed in all cases. Histopathologic evaluation of all specimens with light microscopy was consistent with pleomorphic adenoma of the lacrimal gland.


CONCLUSIONS
Pleomorphic adenoma is the most common epithelial tumor of the lacrimal gland. A higher degree of suspicion must be present to make the correct diagnosis in cases with atypical features. Pleomorphic adenoma may present abruptly with orbital inflammation mimicking orbital cellulitis, as a painful subcutaneous nodule, or demonstrate calcification with bony erosion on orbital imaging. Complete surgical excision of the lesion within its pseudocapsule is recommended to prevent local recurrences and, although less likely, the possibility of malignant transformation.
Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Ophthalmology, University of California, San Francisco, California 94143-0644, USA.
M Reza
MR
Vagefi
Jenny E
JE
Hong
Orin M
OM
Zwick
Edward H
EH
Bedrossian
Stuart R
SR
Seiff
Kimberly P
KP
Cockerham
D008949:Adenoma, Pleomorphic / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery; D000293:Adolescent; D005134:Eye Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007766:Lacrimal Apparatus Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery; D008875:Middle Aged; D009915:Orbit / Q000601:surgery; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed