Pleomorphic adenoma of palpebral part of lacrimal gland: A rare case report

The aim of this study is to report a case of pleomorphic adenoma of palpebral part of lacrimal gland. A 38-year-old female was admitted with the complaints of swelling in the left upper eyelid which was gradual in onset and progressive in nature for 4 years. A firm nodular mass was seen protruding from left superior temporal region of orbit causing mild ptosis. Blood examination showed raised erythrocyte sedimentation rate. Ultrasound was typically hypoechoic well-capsulated mass. Under general anesthesia, the tumor was totally excised with anterolateral orbitotomy. Histopathological examination revealed a pleomorphic adenoma of the lacrimal gland with no evidence of malignancy. Postoperatively, mild ptosis was present and the patient was advised to use lubricating eye drops. Follow-up showed no recurrence. Pleomorphic adenoma (benign mixed tumor) of the lacrimal gland accounts for approximately 12-25% of all lacrimal tumors. Among these, 90% are orbital and only 10% are palpebral part of lacrimal gland tumor. It should be excised completely with a margin of normal tissue as incomplete resection may lead to recurrence. Incisional biopsy is believed to increase the risk of recurrence due to disruption of the pseudocapsule and tumor spillage.