title: A survey of the histopathology of lacrimal gland lesions in a tertiary referral centre.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To describe the histopathological distribution of biopsied lacrimal gland lesions in a tertiary referral centre in Singapore.
  
  
  METHODS
  This was a retrospective chart review. Clinical records of patients who underwent lacrimal gland biopsy at a tertiary referral centre in Singapore between 2000 to 2010, were reviewed. Data collated included patient demographics, clinical presentation, association with systemic disease and histopathological diagnosis.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Sixty-nine patients were studied. Median age of presentation was 50 years. Forty patients (58%) were female and the majority (84%, n = 29) were Chinese. The mean follow-up duration was 35.0 ± 34.5 months. 30.4% (n = 21) of the patients had bilateral disease. Chronic dacryoadenitis (46%, n = 32) was the most common histopathological diagnosis, followed by lymphoproliferative disorders (38%, n = 26) and pleomorphic adenoma (10%, n = 7). The diagnoses in four other patients included adenoid cystic carcinoma, lacrimal gland hypertrophy, lacrimal duct cyst and orbital vascular malformation.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Chronic dacryoadenitis and lymphoproliferative disorders are the two commonest causes of lacrimal gland lesions in our series. Although many cases remain non-specific, about 60% have a specific inflammation that may be associated with a systemic disease. As one third of our patients with lymphoproliferative disease of the lacrimal gland had an associated systemic lymphoma, patients with such lesions should be referred for investigation of possible systemic lymphoma. The results of our study can aid in providing a more targeted approach to patient management.
authors: Singapore National Eye Centre, Singapore. livia.teo@snec.com.sg
authors: Livia
authors: L
authors: Teo
authors: Lay Leng
authors: LL
authors: Seah
authors: Chai Teck
authors: CT
authors: Choo
authors: Soon Phaik
authors: SP
authors: Chee
authors: Elaine
authors: E
authors: Chee
authors: Audrey
authors: A
authors: Looi
mesh_terms: D008949:Adenoma, Pleomorphic / Q000473:pathology; D000328:Adult; D001706:Biopsy; D003607:Dacryocystitis / Q000473:pathology; D005134:Eye Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D007766:Lacrimal Apparatus Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000473:pathology*; D008232:Lymphoproliferative Disorders / Q000473:pathology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012846:Singapore / Q000453:epidemiology; D062606:Tertiary Care Centers