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Review
. 2018 Jan-Mar;32(1):13-16.
doi: 10.1016/j.sjopt.2018.02.014. Epub 2018 Mar 2.

Pleomorphic adenoma of the lacrimal gland: A review with updates on malignant transformation and molecular genetics

William Harrison  1 , Patricia Pittman  1 , Thomas Cummings  1
Affiliations
Review

Pleomorphic adenoma of the lacrimal gland: A review with updates on malignant transformation and molecular genetics

William Harrison et al. Saudi J Ophthalmol. 2018 Jan-Mar.

Abstract

Pleomorphic adenoma (benign mixed tumor) is the most common epithelial neoplasm of the lacrimal gland. It is usually a slow growing, well-circumscribed, mass that is identical to its salivary gland counterpart. Patients generally have an excellent prognosis for vision and long-term survival after complete surgical excision. There is a tendency to reoccur, especially if there is an incomplete excision, and rarely, malignant transformation to carcinoma ex pleomorphic adenoma can occur, which has a much poorer prognosis. The molecular genetics of lacrimal gland pleomorphic adenomas have only recently been studies, but appear to display similar genetic aberration found in the salivary gland counterparts.

Keywords: Lacrimal gland; Malignant transformation; Molecular genetics; Pleomorphic adenoma.

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Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Images A and B show T1-weighted MRI images demonstrating a well circumscribed superior orbital mass that has mass effect on the right eye. Images C and D are photomicrographs which highlight the biphasic nature of the neoplasm with an epithelial component forming cord and tubules and a chondromyxoid mesenchymal component.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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