Search

• An otherwise asymptomatic 63-year-old woman with a history of a carcinoid tumor of the ileum and a cutaneous melanoma of the shoulder developed unilateral proptosis. Orbital ultrasonography, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging revealed a large, well-circumscribed orbital mass involving the superior rectus muscle. The surgically excised tumor was studied by light microscopy, histochemistry, and transmission electron microscopy. These studies confirmed the diagnosis of carcinoid tumor. The clinical and pathologic features of this rare type of orbital metastasis are discussed.

• A woman was diagnosed as having a benign lacrimal gland mass at age 23 years and no treatment was advised. About 60 years later, the previously stationary proptosis began to increase, and biopsy specimens demonstrated a malignant mixed tumor (pleomorphic adenocarcinoma) of the lacrimal gland. The patient was subsequently treated with orbital exenteration. From the clinical history and histopathologic findings, it appears that the patient harbored a long-standing pleomorphic adenoma (benign mixed tumor) that gave rise to a pleomorphic adenocarcinoma after remaining stationary for 60 years.