Lacrimal Duct Tumors

Lacrimal duct tumors are tumors that develop in the lacrimal drainage system, which is responsible for draining tears from the eye towards the nose. These tumors can affect the lacrimal canals and the lacrimal sac. Lacrimal duct tumors are considered rare and often manifest with symptoms such as watery eyes or swelling around the eye.

Lacrimal Duct Tumors

Lacrimal duct tumors are either cancerous or non-cancerous tumors that affect the structures involved in tear production, drainage, or transport in the eye. The lacrimal drainage system begins with glands in the eyelids and progresses towards the surface of the eye, ultimately connecting to the nasal cavity.

There are various types of lacrimal duct tumors, including:

• Lacrimal Duct Epithelial Tumors: Tumors that originate in the epithelium of the lacrimal ducts. These may include lacrimal sac tumors, lacrimal canal tumors, and lacrimal sac canal tumors.
• Lacrimal Gland Tumors: Tumors that develop in the glands responsible for tear production, which can include lacrimal gland tumors or conjunctival mucosal tumors.

Symptoms of lacrimal duct tumors may include redness, swelling, or pain around the eye, increased or decreased tear production, constant tearing, eye discharge or crusting, and swelling or masses around the eye.

To diagnose lacrimal duct tumors, an eye doctor or oncologist will perform an eye examination and may use imaging tests such as lacrimal duct endoscopy, dacryocystography (contrast study of the lacrimal ducts), ultrasonography, or computed tomography (CT). Additionally, a biopsy may be performed, and the tissue sample will be sent to a laboratory for pathological examination.

The treatment of lacrimal duct tumors depends on the type of tumor, its size, extent of spread, and the patient's overall health. Treatment options may include surgical intervention, radiotherapy, or chemotherapy, and the treatment plan is determined by an eye doctor and an oncologist.