© 2005-2012 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO). All rights reserved worldwide.
This section has been reviewed and approved by the Cancer.Net Editorial Board, 5/2012
Risk Factors A risk factor is anything that increases a person's chance of developing a tumor. Although risk factors often influence the development of a tumor, most do not directly cause a tumor. Some people with several risk factors never develop the disease, while others with no known risk factors do. However, knowing your risk factors and talking about them with your doctor may help you make more informed lifestyle and health care choices.
Age. A lacrimal gland tumor occurs more frequently in people in their 30s.
A history of lymphoma. People who have a history of lymphoma are at higher risk for developing a periocular (around the eye) lymphoma.
Incomplete removal of a previous benign tumor. In some instances, if a noncancerous lacrimal gland tumor was not completely removed there is a higher risk of a malignant lacrimal gland tumor occurring. Therefore, a careful evaluation after surgery is recommended for people having this type of surgery.