Recurrence and malignant transformation of pleomorphic adenoma of lacrimal gland

1. Yoko Fujita
2. Hiroshi Yoshikawa
3. Tomoko Asakuma
4. Yoh-Ichi Kawano
5. Yoshitaka Ohnishi
6. Tatsuro Ishibashi

Department of Ophthalmology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan

Purpose
To clarify the characteristics of the recurrent and malignant-transformed cases of lacrimal pleomorphic adenomas.

Subjects and Methods
Forty one cases (17 men and 24 women) of pleomorphic adenoma of the lacrimal gland treated in Kyushu University from 1972 to 2010 were enrolled. We carefully examined clinical course of recurrent or malignant-transformed cases. Furthermore, we compared sex, age at onset, and histological features of 3 groups (Group A : 32 cases without recurrence, Group B : 6 cases with benign recurrence, Group C : 3 cases malignant at the recurrence).

Results
In group A, 11 cases were men and 21 were women, and the age of onset was 21-83 (mean 50.1) years-old. In group B, 4 cases were men and 2 were women, and the age of onset was 16-60 (mean 39.7) years-old. Three patients in group C were 16 years-old man, 21 years-old man, and 36 years-old woman (mean age: 24.3 years-old). The onest-age of Group B and C were significantly younger than group A. There was female predominancy in Group A, however group B and C showed male predominancy.

Conclusion
Lacrimal pleomorphic adenomas in young male patients tend to suffer malignant transformation.