Adenoid cystic carcinoma of the lacrimal gland masquerading as dacryoadenitis: Case Report

Abstract

Adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) of the lacrimal gland is a rare, life-threatening tumor often not diagnosed until advanced stages. This malignancy usually presents with nonspecific symptoms such as periocular pain and non-axial proptosis. We present a case of a 40-year-old female experiencing these symptoms, whose initial lacrimal gland biopsy was consistent with chronic dacryoadenitis. Reappearance and worsening of her symptoms after treatment led to a total dacryoadenectomy, which confirmed the presence of ACC. Close follow up of the clinical signs and imaging in this patient allowed us to suspect and finally diagnose an invasive malignancy that was masquerading as a chronic dacryoadenitis.

Keywords

• Lacrimal gland
• adenoid cystic carcinoma
• dacryoadenitis
• inflammation
• orbital neoplasm.