Lacrimal Gland Tumor: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Harsha Moole, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 2, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Lacrimal Gland Tumor?
An oncologist, a doctor who specializes in treating cancer, usually leads care for cancerous lacrimal gland tumors. Eye surgeons and head and neck surgeons often perform the operations. A primary care doctor can coordinate referrals and follow-up. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What it is
The lacrimal gland is a small gland above the outer corner of each eye. It makes the tears that keep the eye moist. A lacrimal gland tumor is a growth of abnormal cells in that gland. Some are benign, meaning not cancer. Others are malignant, meaning cancer that can spread. The most common cancerous type is adenoid cystic carcinoma, a slow-growing but serious cancer.
Symptoms
Many lacrimal gland tumors cause a painless lump or swelling near the outer part of the upper eyelid. The eye may look pushed down and inward, or the eyeball may stick out slightly. Some people notice drooping of the eyelid or double vision. Pain is more common with cancerous tumors than with benign ones. Any of these symptoms deserves a medical check.
Causes and who gets it
Doctors do not fully know what causes these tumors. Most happen by chance, and no lifestyle habit has been clearly linked to them. They are rare and can appear at any age, though some types are more common in middle-aged adults. Certain benign growths, such as pleomorphic adenoma, can return after treatment or turn into cancer over many years if not fully removed.
How doctors diagnose it
Diagnosis usually starts with an eye exam and a detailed medical history. Doctors often use an MRI or CT scan, imaging tests that show the size and location of the growth. A biopsy, in which a doctor removes a small piece of tissue and examines it under a microscope, is often needed to confirm the tumor type.
Treatment
Treatment depends on whether the tumor is benign or cancerous, its type, and its size. Benign tumors are often treated with surgery. Cancerous tumors may need wider surgery, and some people receive radiation therapy, which uses high-energy beams to kill cancer cells. Regular follow-up visits are common because some tumors can come back years later.
When to see a doctor
See a doctor if you notice a lump or swelling near your eye, a change in how your eye looks, or new vision problems. Double vision, ongoing eye pain, or a bulging eye also warrant a visit. These symptoms often have other causes, but they should be checked.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance for visits. A concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. Either one can examine an eye symptom, order imaging, and refer you to a specialist. They do not usually treat these tumors themselves, but after treatment they can manage follow-up and answer questions between specialist appointments.
Common questions
Are lacrimal gland tumors always cancer?
No. Some are benign, meaning they are not cancer and do not spread. Others are cancerous, so testing is needed to know for sure.
Is a lacrimal gland tumor common?
No. Tumors of the lacrimal gland are rare. They make up a small share of all growths around the eye.
Can a benign tumor turn into cancer?
Some benign types, such as pleomorphic adenoma, can change into cancer over time, especially if not fully removed. This is one reason doctors recommend treatment and follow-up.
Sources
- MedlinePlus - Eye Cancer
- NIH Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center - Adenoid cystic carcinoma
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
