Cyst of accessory lacrimal gland

ABSTRACT

When a patient is presented with a subconjunctival cyst, it is not only hard to reveal its true nature clinically but also easy to rupture during excision. We experienced cases with cysts of the accessory lacrimal gland in two patients with subconjunctival cysts. They had lid swelling at initial presentation and underwent surgical excision of subconjunctival cysts located in superior portion of the upper tarsal plate. The lining of these cysts composed of ductal epithelia. Biochemical analyses for serum and cystic fluid were performed in one case, in which was found high Ig A titer in the cystic fluid. These cysts seemed to originate from the duct of Wolfring's accessory lacrimal gland, considering their anatomic locations and pathologic findings. Complete removal of the cyst is important, because recurrences have been reported in cases of incomplete removal or simple aspiration.