In general, a lacrimal gland tumor is rare. About half of lacrimal gland tumors are benign, and half are malignant. Malignant epithelial tumors of the lacrimal gland account for 2% of all orbital (eye socket) tumors. AdCC is the most frequent epithelial orbital cancer, accounting for approximately 50% of malignant lacrimal gland tumors and 25% of all lacrimal gland tumors.

Survival rates depend on several factors, including the type of lacrimal gland tumor. The five-year survival rate (the percentage of people who survive at least five years after the cancer is detected, excluding those who die from other disease) of people with AdCC is estimated to be 50%, while the 15-year survival rate is estimated to be 25%.

Cancer survival statistics should be interpreted with caution. It is not possible to tell a person how long he or she will live with a lacrimal gland tumor. Because the survival statistics are measured in five-year intervals, they may not represent advances made in the treatment or diagnosis of a lacrimal gland tumor. Learn more about understanding statistics [2].

Source: DeAngelis, Dan, MD, FRCS, "Lacrimal Gland Tumors," eMedicine. http://www.emedicine.com/oph/topic694.htm [3]. Updated November 3, 2011.