Purpose: To clarify the clinicopathologic features including outcome of adenoid cystic carcinoma arising from the lacrimal gland.
Subjects and methods: Background of patients, TNM classification, treatments, histopathological findings and the outcome were examined for 10 patients with adenoid cystic carcinoma of the lacrimal gland diagnosed at Tokyo Medical University Hospital.
Results: Patients included 6 men and 4 women and the average age was 49.5 years old. Four patients (40%) developed distant metastases and 5 patients (50%) showed local recurrence. Three patients died or progressed to palliative care, and the 5 year survival rate was 55.5% (Kaplan-Meier). The patients with progression of more than T3 in TNM classification and solid pattern in histopathological findings suggested poor outcome. Although heavy ion radiotherapy was performed in 4 patients, 2 patients died or progressed to palliative care.
Conclusion: Prognosis of patients with adenoid cystic carcinoma of the lacrimal gland is related to TNM classification and histological type. Medical treatment including heavy ion radiotherapy was performed, the outcome was poor.
Nippon Ganka Gakkai Zasshi (J Jpn Ophthalmol Soc) 118: 963-967, 2014.