Adenoma/Epithelioma of Meibomian Gland
Description of the Disease and Clinical Picture
An adenoma of the Meibomian gland is a benign tumor that arises from the sebocytes of the Meibomian gland. This tumor develops at the edge of the eyelid and is usually white to light pink in color, rarely darker pigmented, and may have smooth edges or a cauliflower-like appearance. Sometimes, multiple tumors can develop on a single eyelid. Generally, these tumors are not problematic when very small, but as they start to grow, they can cause irritation, self-trauma may occur resulting in a secondary bacterial infection. Depending on the location of the tumor on the eyelid, corneal and conjunctival irritation may occur, resulting in keratitis, corneal ulcers, and conjunctivitis.
 
Meibomian gland epithelioma is a tumor of low-grade malignancy that arises from the reserve (supporting) cells of the Meibomian gland. Unlike adenomas, epitheliomas have a tendency to more aggressively infiltrate surrounding tissues, making them sometimes difficult to completely remove surgically. Metastases are extremely rare. Macroscopically, epitheliomas look very similar to Meibomian gland adenomas. Secondary bacterial infection can cause inflammation of the tumor, and depending on the location, corneal and conjunctival irritation may occur, with symptoms like keratitis, corneal ulcers, and conjunctivitis. A chalazion can develop as a result of mechanical obstruction of the Meibomian glands by the tumor.
 
Both adenomas and epitheliomas of the Meibomian gland are more common in older dogs and are often observed in breeds like Cocker Spaniels, Poodles, Siberian Huskies, Samoyeds, and Shih Tzus. These tumors are extremely rare in cats.
 
Therapy
Diagnosis is confirmed by histopathological examination after excision. Tumors are typically removed through surgical excision, laser-induced destruction or cryo treatment (freezing of the tumor).
 
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.