Lacrimal Sac
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Lacrimal Sac Tumors
A lacrimal sac tumor is a growth that forms in the small pocket (sac) in the lower inner region of the eye and above medial canthal tendon. This sac collects tears prior to draining into the nasolacrimal duct. There tumors can be benign or malignant. Benign tumors of the lacrimal sac include papilloma, cyst, fibroma, and lymphoma. Benign squamous papilloma is most common. Malignant tumors are squamous cell carcinoma, adenocarcinoma, and melanoma. Squamous cell carcinoma is found more frequently than adenocarcinoma.
Lacrimal sac tumors are rare and occur more frequently in older adults. Symptoms include inflammation of the lacrimal sac (called dacryocystitis). Patients may experience eye swelling, eye redness, pain and tenderness, excessive tearing, and blurred vision. Physically, patients may present with a lump/bulge in the inner corner of the eye. They could have skin ulceration, telangiectasia, or positive lymph nodes as well.
At Idaho Eyelid and Facial Plastic Surgery, our practitioners will take medical history and perform a physical examination. In order to confirm the diagnosis of a lacrimal sac tumor, we may order imaging tests to show the extent of the mass or biopsies. Treatment depends on stage/type of the tumor. While benign tumors are surgically excised, malignant tumors may require radiation and chemotherapy after excision. Patients with benign tumors have a good prognosis, and those with malignant tumors may have a poorer prognosis if the tumors are advanced or have spread.
