Giant pleomorphic adenoma of the lacrimal gland: A surgical challenge

Abstract

Pleomorphic adenoma is the most common epithelial neoplasm of the lacrimal gland. The tumor typically presents with a superotemporal mass with inferonasal displacement of the globe. They generally measure less than 3 cm in size and can be removed comfortably via a lateral orbitotomy approach. Pleomorphic adenoma left unattended for a long period grows up to humongous proportions and poses a surgical challenge both for its complete removal and globe salvage. We report a rare case of pleomoprphic adenoma of the lacrimal gland in an adult male, who did not seek any medical advice for 20 years allowing the tumor to expand enormously in all dimensions, with complete obscuration of the globe. The tumor was excised completely and globe could be salvaged.