adenoid cystic carcinoma of the lacrimal gland

Adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) of the lacrimal glands is an extraconal malignancy usually originating from the orbital lobe of the lacrimal gland.

Clinical presentation

It often presents with orbital pain and paresthesia, since this type of tumor is frequently associated with perineural spreading.

Radiographic features

CT

CT may show an infiltrative mass involving the lacrimal gland, very often associated with bony destruction, showing enhancement after contrast administration.

MRI

Signal characteristics include:

  • T1: homogeneously hypointense
  • T2: usually isointense, but sometimes hypointense (basaloid subtype)
  • T1 C+ (Gd): moderate enhancement

Differential diagnosis

See also

Siehe auch: