Pleomorphic adenoma of lacrimal gland in a 5-year-old child: Diagnosed on aspiration cytology

摘要

The term mixed cell tumor of lacrimal gland was first used as early as in 1874. Initially, it encompassed both benign and malignant lesions but gradually was specifically reserved for pleomorphic adenoma.1 It is one of the most common tumors of the lacrimal gland.2'3 It commonly occurs in middle age group and is extremely rare in children.3 The malignant counterpart of pleomorphic adenoma, the malignant mixed tumor, is much less common but pleomorphic adenoma is known to recur and also to undergo malignant transformation when incompletely excised.4 So it requires a well established clinical and therapeutic protocol to avoid the risk of malignant transformation or disease recurrence.