Lacrimal Sac Tumors and Associated Conditions

Lacrimal sac tumours encompass a spectrum of benign and malignant lesions arising within the lacrimal drainage apparatus, a conduit responsible for tear clearance from the ocular surface into the nasal cavity. Although rare, these tumours are clinically significant owing to their propensity for local invasion and potential for misdiagnosis as chronic dacryocystitis. Benign entities often present as mucocoeles, inflammatory polyps or epithelial papillomas, whereas malignant forms include squamous cell carcinoma, adenoid cystic carcinoma, lymphoma and melanoma. Secondary involvement by sinonasal or paranasal malignancies further complicates management. Clinical signs such as a palpable medial canthal mass, epiphora and intermittent epistaxis warrant detailed imaging assessment. Cross-sectional modalities, notably CT and MRI, delineate lesion extent, bone erosion and perineural spread. Histopathological evaluation following biopsy or excision remains the gold standard for definitive diagnosis. Multidisciplinary treatment paradigms—encompassing wide surgical excision, radiotherapy and targeted systemic therapies—are tailored to histological subtype and stage. Advances in molecular profiling have elucidated actionable targets in rare subtypes, enabling personalised approaches that aim to improve local control and minimise disfiguring resections. Globally, concerted efforts focus on refining diagnostic algorithms, optimising reconstructive outcomes and integrating novel therapeutics to mitigate morbidity.

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Lacrimal Sac Tumors and Associated Conditions publication trend

The graph below shows the total number of articles in lacrimal sac tumors and associated conditions across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).

Technical terms

Epiphora: Overflow of tears onto the face due to impaired lacrimal drainage.

Dacryocystectomy: Surgical excision of the lacrimal sac, typically for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes.

Nasolacrimal duct obstruction: Blockage of the canal that drains tears from the lacrimal sac into the nasal cavity.

Dacryocystorhinostomy: Surgical creation of a new passage between the lacrimal sac and nasal cavity to bypass obstruction.

18F-FDG PET/CT: Combined imaging modality using fluorodeoxyglucose uptake to assess metabolic activity and CT to define anatomical detail.

References

1. Imaging Features of Malignant Lacrimal Sac and Nasolacrimal Duct Tumors. American Journal of Neuroradiology (2016).
2. Comparison of Clinical Features and Treatment Outcome in Benign and Malignant Lacrimal Sac Tumors. BioMed Research International (2020).
3. Acquired nasolacrimal duct obstruction: clinical and histological findings of 275 cases. BMC Ophthalmology (2022).
4. Value of 18F-FDG PET/CT for Assessment of Advanced Lacrimal Sac Non-Keratinizing Squamous Cell Carcinoma Successfully Treated with Concurrent Chemoradiotherapy. Diagnostics (2021).