Malignant pleural mesothelioma with lacrimal gland metastasis

PURPOSE: To describe a rare clinical case of biopsy-proven metastatic mesothelioma of the lacrimal gland which responded well to chemo and radiation therapy.

METHODS: Interventional case report.

RESULTS: A 55-year-old woman with an untreated malignant biopsy-proven pleural mesothelioma presented with right proptosis, diplopia and hypoglobus. Magnetic resonance imaging showed an aggressive lacrimal gland tumour with bony erosion. A biopsy concluded a diagnosis of metastatic mesothelioma of the lacrimal gland. Her lacrimal and lung tumours showed a marked regression following palliative chemo (carboplatin) and radiation therapy.

CONCLUSIONS: Malignant pleural mesothelioma may metastasize to the orbit, including the lacrimal gland. A combined chemo and radiation therapy may reduce the size of the metastatic and primary tumour.