Surgical Management of Lacrimal Gland Tumors

Epithelial lacrimal gland tumors are rare but important to diagnose early. The initial surgical decision to do an incisional biopsy versus gross total resection depends largely on the radiologic characteristics of the lacrimal gland mass. Until recently, orbital exenteration was considered the standard surgical approach for malignant epithelial tumors of the lacrimal gland. However, more recently, eye-sparing surgical resection followed by radiation therapy has gained popularity in selected patients. In this manuscript, we will review the typical clinical and radiologic features of pleomorphic adenoma of the lacrimal gland compared with those of lacrimal gland carcinoma, and we will review published data regarding local control and survival for malignant lacrimal gland tumors with eye-sparing surgery and radiation.