Lymphoepithelioma-like carcinoma involving the lacrimal gland and infiltrating the eyelids

Eur J Ophthalmol. 2011 May-Jun;21(3):320-3. doi: 10.5301/EJO.2010.6102.

Abstract

Purpose: To report a case of a lymphoepithelioma-like carcinoma (LELC), which is a variant of carcinoma most commonly involving the nasopharynx and rarely occurring in a variety of sites outside its typical location.

Methods: We present the case of a 79-year-old Caucasian man with LELC of the lacrimal gland undergoing surgical resection of the mass.

Results: The patient had remained disease-free for 2 years, and then he developed homolateral metastases in latero-cervical and parotid lymph nodes, detected by computed tomography and confirmed by fine-needle aspiration biopsy. He did not receive any surgical treatment, radiotherapy, or chemotherapy because of the advanced stage of the disease and poor health condition.

Conclusions: This case report suggests that a diagnosis of lacrimal gland LELC makes combined early and radical therapy necessary.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Biomarkers, Tumor / analysis
  • Biopsy, Needle
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / diagnostic imaging
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / secondary*
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / therapy
  • Eye Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Eye Neoplasms / secondary
  • Eye Neoplasms / therapy
  • Eyelid Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging
  • Eyelid Neoplasms / secondary*
  • Eyelid Neoplasms / therapy
  • Humans
  • Lacrimal Apparatus Diseases / pathology*
  • Lacrimal Apparatus Diseases / therapy
  • Lymphatic Metastasis
  • Male
  • Neck
  • Palliative Care
  • Parotid Gland
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed

Substances

  • Biomarkers, Tumor