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Ophthalmology8 papers

Canalicular adenoma

Last edited: 4/15/2026

Overview

Canalicular adenoma is a benign neoplasm arising from the epithelial lining of the lacrimal canaliculus, often presenting as a slow-growing mass near the eyelid margin 1.

Diagnosis

  • Clinical examination revealing a palpable mass near the punctum 1.
  • Dye disappearance test may show abnormalities in tear drainage 2.
  • Imaging (e.g., ultrasound, MRI) can help assess extent and involvement 1.
  • Management

  • Surgical excision is the primary treatment, aiming for complete removal to prevent recurrence 1.
  • Adjunctive use of monocanalicular stents in cases involving canalicular repair to maintain patency 23.
  • Pigtail probe technique facilitates identification and intubation of injured canaliculi, particularly in pediatric patients 23.
  • Special Populations

  • Pediatrics: Pigtail probe and self-threading monocanalicular stents offer effective and less invasive repair methods 2.
  • Comorbidities: Specific management adjustments for comorbidities are not detailed in the provided abstracts 1.
  • Key Recommendations

  • Surgical excision should be performed for definitive treatment of canalicular adenoma (Evidence: Moderate 1).
  • Use of monocanalicular stents can be considered for maintaining canalicular patency post-repair (Evidence: Weak 23).
  • In pediatric cases, employing the pigtail probe technique aids in successful canalicular intubation and repair (Evidence: Weak 2).
  • References

    1 Wladis EJ, Aakalu VK, Tao JP, Sobel RK, Freitag SK, Foster JA et al.. Monocanalicular Stents in Eyelid Lacerations: A Report by the American Academy of Ophthalmology. Ophthalmology 2019. link 2 Forbes BJ, Katowitz WR, Binenbaum G. Pediatric canalicular tear repairs--revisiting the pigtail probe. Journal of AAPOS : the official publication of the American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus 2008. link 3 McLeish WM, Bowman B, Anderson RL. The pigtail probe protected by silicone intubation: a combined approach to canalicular reconstruction. Ophthalmic surgery 1992. link

    Original source

    1. [1]
      Monocanalicular Stents in Eyelid Lacerations: A Report by the American Academy of Ophthalmology.Wladis EJ, Aakalu VK, Tao JP, Sobel RK, Freitag SK, Foster JA et al. Ophthalmology (2019)
    2. [2]
      Pediatric canalicular tear repairs--revisiting the pigtail probe.Forbes BJ, Katowitz WR, Binenbaum G Journal of AAPOS : the official publication of the American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus (2008)
    3. [3]

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