A clinicopathologic study of primary adenoid cystic carcinoma of the lacrimal gland

Objective To discuss the associations among tumor clinical presentation, histologic patterns, different treating methods and clinical outcomes. Methods A case series of 26 patients with Primary Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma of the Lacrimal Gland were included. Clinical records and histologic material were analyzed. Results The study included 10 men and 16 women. The mean age at diagnosis was 37.6 years (range, 14 to 72 years). The median survival for the patients with a predominantly basaloid pattern and non-basaloid were 26.83 and 57.63 months. The median survival for T4 and T1~T3 tumors in patients were 22.16 and 65.63 months. The basaloid pattern and T4 tumors were associated with a shorter survival (P <0.05). The median survival was 38.93 months in the patients treated with eye-saving procedure (tumor excision, followed by radiotherapy) and 30.56 months treated with extensive surgery (orbital exenteration, followed by radiotherapy). Conclusions Among the histologic types, the basaloid variety has more aggressive biologic behavior. The histologic types and stage of adenoid cystic carcinoma of the lacrimal gland is considered an indicator of poor prognosis. It is difficult in making conclusive recommendation for local therapy for primary adenoid cystic carcinoma of the lacrimal gland. Key words: Lacrimal gland; Adenoid cystic carcinoma; Surgery; Pathology; Follow-up