Adenoma/Adenocarcinoma of the Third Eyelid Gland
Disease Description and Clinical Picture
Among all neoplasms affecting the third eyelid in dogs, the most common are adenocarcinoma of the third eyelid gland, followed by adenoma of the third eyelid gland, and finally, squamous cell carcinoma . In cats, there are differences—the most common neoplasm is adenocarcinoma of the third eyelid gland followed by squamous cell carcinoma. Adenocarcinomas of the third eyelid in dogs and cats differ in malignancy. The average lifespan after diagnosis of adenocarcinoma in cats is significantly shorter than in dogs, as feline adenocarcinoma has a higher metastatic potential and a chance of recurrence. This neoplasm appears as a firm, smooth mass, pink in color. Initially, the owner may notice a gradual enlargement and hyperemia of the third eyelid. In some animals, conjunctivitis with pathological ocular discharge may occur. The tumor can mechanically block the function of the eyelids completely. The distinction between benign adenoma and malignant adenocarcinoma can be made after a histopathology examination of a neoplasm sample (intraoperatively on frozen sections, after surgical removal of the affected tissue or following a biopsy).
 
Therapy
If pathohistological examination confirms that the neoplasm is an adenocarcinoma, due to the metastatic potential of this tumor, the following tests should be performed: complete blood count and biochemistry, examination of aspirates from local lymph nodes, X-ray, MRI, CT. With this diagnosis, it is best to completely excise the third eyelid. If the tumor has already spread to orbital tissue, surgical eye removal and orbital soft tissue removal can be pursued, or endoscopic eye sparing surgery can be done where tumor tissue is removed with preservation of the visual eye, followed by intraorbital injections of the chemotherapeutic agent. Adenomas of the third eyelid gland are benign tumors, so surgical removal of the tumor while preserving the functional third eyelid is recommended. As a result of losing the third eyelid gland, these patients can develop dry eye disease, so regular tear production monitoring is essential.
 
Please contact our specialty veterinary ophthalmology hospital Animal Eye Consultants
of Iowa (animaleyeiowa@gmail.com) in USA or Oculus Veterinary Specialty Hospital
(oculusklinika@gmail.com) in Serbia, Europe to schedule an appointment so your pet
can be seen.