DOI: 10.36347/sjams.2014.v02i06.110

Pages: 3396-3399

Lacrimal gland tumors are rare. The most common benign epithelial tumor of the lacrimal gland is pleomorphic adenoma or benign mixed tumor. We did a retrospective study of benign epithelial tumors of lacrimal gland to analyze the histological pattern and correlate with the clinical findings. Out of a total 31 specimens of lacrimal gland tumors received at the Department of Pathology, Sarojini Devi Eye Hospital, Hyderabad, over a period of five years, 20 cases of histologically proven benign epithelial tumors were included in the study. A detailed analysis of the cases was done, taking into consideration the clinical details such as age, sex and size of the tumor The histological patterns were studied on hematoxylin and eosin stained sections. The age range in our study was between the second to seventh decades. Females were more commonly affected. Benign tumors constituted 74.07% of the epithelial tumors and all of them were pleomorphic adenomas. Microscopically, all the cases showed proliferation of epithelial and stromal elements. Extensive squamous metaplasia was seen in two cases and chondroid differentiation in two cases. A definite preoperative diagnosis is essential for the proper management of pleomorphic adenoma. Clinical and radiological features suggest the diagnosis in most cases. Complete excision of the tumor along with the capsule prevents recurrence. Needle and incisional biopsies are largely contraindicated with few exceptions. Pathologists should be aware of the histologic diversity of pleomorphic adenoma to prevent misdiagnosis.