Lacrimal gland cysts, also known as dacryops, are benign ductal cysts. They are uncommon and can occur wherever lacrimal gland tissue is present. It was previously thought that they arose due to obstructions and subsequent buildup of secretion, but now the cause is thought to be multifactorial, arising from chronic inflammation, an immune response, and IgA hypersecretion.
There are four classifications based on location:
Palpebral lobe cysts are found between the medial and lateral canthi
Orbital lobe cysts are found in the orbit of the eye
Cysts in the accessory lacrimal glands
Cysts are ectopic in the lacrimal glands
The most common of the lacrimal gland masses, dermoid and epidermoid cysts, are congenital choristomas (resulting from embryonic epidermal entrapment within the frontozygomatic suture) that grow into palpable subcutaneous nodules. They require excision due to risk of spontaneous rupture or cutaneous fistula formation.
