Risk Factors

A risk factor is anything that increases a person’s chance of developing a tumor. Some risk factors can be controlled, such as smoking, and some cannot be controlled, such as age and family history. Although risk factors can 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 communicating them to 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.

Prior 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 prior benign tumor. If a noncancerous lacrimal gland tumor was not completely removed, in some instances there is a higher risk of a malignant lacrimal gland tumor occurring. Therefore, a careful, post-surgical evaluation is recommended for people having this type of surgery.