Meibomian Gland Tumors

Abstract

Meibomian gland tumors have been the subject of an uncommon degree of controversy concerning the question of their actual existence, the types of neoplasm that may develop, and the degree of malignancy that they may possess. Much of this controversy stemmed from the rarity of these tumors, which led to opinions on histology and clinical behavior based on single cases or very small series. Generalizations on incidence, classification, and malignancy have been of necessity based on compilations of previous reports, with the inherent limitations of this technique. In spite of, or perhaps because of, the diversity of thought surrounding Meibomian tumors, numerous reports appeared in the medical literature following the original description of a Meibomian tumor by Baldauf¹in 1870. Various authors considered all Meibomian tumors as adenomas,²while others stressed their malignant nature.³The existence of both adenomas and carcinomas was suggested by significant differences in