Unexpected recurrence and rapid progression of lacrimal gland adenoid cystic carcinoma during pregnancy: a case report

ABSTRACT

Adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) is the most common malignant neoplasm involving the lacrimal glands, with high rates of recurrence and metastasis. During the pregnancy, reports of recurrence of ACC of the salivary glands and trachea have previously been published, but no lacrimal gland ACC recurrence has been reported. We present a 35-year-old woman with lacrimal gland ACC who was initially treated by surgical resection and adjunctive radiotherapy, but her cancer recurred during pregnancy, with rapid progression to cavernous sinuses and brain. Estrogen and progesterone receptors have been detected on lacrimal glands and ACCs of salivary glands. Thus, hormonal changes during pregnancy might contribute to the recurrence of ACC. However, the inherent invasive and recurrent nature of ACC could also account for the regrowth in this patient and further molecular studies can provide more accurate explanations.

KEYWORDS:

• Adenoid cystic carcinoma
• lacrimal gland tumor
• orbital tumor
• pregnancy

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Written informed consents were obtained from the patient and her next of kin for participation in the study and publication of this manuscript.

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The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the article.

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The ethics committee of our medical university waived approval for this study.

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