En Bloc Orbitectomy for Recurred Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma of the Lacrimal Gland

ABSTRACT

A 54-year-old woman presented with an exophthalmos and a mass on her right eye, which proved to be recurred adenoid cystic carcinoma of the lacrimal gland. Orbital CT and MRI showed that tumor was located in the right orbit, but skin over right eye brow was also involved. There was no visualization of tumor extension into the intracranial compartment. The authors have performed an en bloc orbitectomy. Although en bloc orbitectomy is known to be useful in reducing recurrence, this case showed the tumor recurrence and even distant metastasis that occurred after total tumor removal via en bloc orbitectomy. As adenoid cystic carcinoma of lacrimal gland is known to have high rate of recurrence and metastasis, en bloc orbitectomy should be performed to reduce local advancement and distant metastasis. In case of distant metastasis, radiotherapy could be useful strategy in selected case.