Objectives: To assess the clinical characteristics, the workup, therapeutic approach and pathological findings of primitive tumors of the lacrimal sac.
Material and methods: Three cases were retrospectively reviewed from the database of our ENT department. They were analyzed and compared to cases reported in the literature.
Results: One adenoid cystic carcinoma and two adenocarcinomas were observed, all were adults and the sex ratio was one man for 2 women. Clinically they presented neither significant lacrimal or rhinologic sign. A CT-scan and a MRI were performed along with a physical examination. An entire surgical resection was done with subsequent postoperative radiotherapy. Two patients died, and one is alive, free of disease.
Conclusion: Lacrimal tumors should be considered in the differential diagnosis of a banal chronic epiphora. The ENT practitioner must associate this factor to any clinical evaluation. The management of these lesions requires a complete surgical resection, routinely associated with postoperative radiation.