title: Pleomorphic adenoma of the lacrimal gland: two clinical cases.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Pleomorphic adenoma of the lacrimal gland is uncommon but it is the most common benign epithelial tumor of this gland. In the literature few cases have been reported in patients aged between 6 years and 80 years with a mean age of 39 years. A correct diagnosis and treatment is fundamental in order to avoid a relapse and sometimes their malignant transformation. An incisional biopsy is better to be avoided because it could injure the capsule, leading to dissemination of tumoral cells in the orbital tissues with a recurrence rate of 30% over 5 years.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  This papers want to support the use of mini-invasive surgery for the treatment of orbital lesions when it is possible.
  
  
  METHODS
  We report two clinical cases of pleomorphic adenoma affecting the lacrimal gland treated with two different surgery approaches. The radiographic and photographic documentation of the patients was collected in the pre-and post-operatively. All patients underwent a CT scan and MRI.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This lesions requires a well-grounded clinical and therapeutic protocol to avoid the risk of malignant transformation or disease recurrence, very dangerous at this site. CT scan and MRI scan are very important to recognize different types of lesions involving the lacrimal gland and fossa. A mini-invasive surgery reduces hospitalization, risk of complications, surgical times and bleedings and guarantees an excellent functional and esthetic result when performed by a skilled surgeon.
authors.affiliation: Department of Maxillo-Facial Surgery, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy. emiliano.riccardi@hotmail.it
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Rinna
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Reale
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Calvani
authors.forename: V
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Calafati
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Filiaci
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Riccardi
authors.forename: V
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Ramieri
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Cascino
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Cascone
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Ungari
mesh_terms: D008949:Adenoma, Pleomorphic / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D000328:Adult; D005134:Eye Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007766:Lacrimal Apparatus Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008875:Middle Aged; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed