DR. FOUAD ZAKKA, MD

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Researchers studied different types of tumors found in the salivary glands, specifically looking at certain benign and early-stage cancerous lesions linked to a condition called pleomorphic adenoma. They found that many of these lesions, even with some unusual cell features, do not lead to recurrence or spread of cancer if they remain contained within the tumor. This is important because it suggests that some terms used to describe these lesions might cause unnecessary worry and treatment, and simpler names that reflect their generally harmless nature could be more appropriate.

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This study looked at whether surgeons should quickly freeze and examine thyroid tissues during surgery for uncertain thyroid lumps. The researchers found that freezing often leads to unclear results because it can hide important details, and better methods like formalin fixation improve accuracy. They emphasized that careful examination of the thyroid is crucial, especially when looking for serious signs like tissue damage or spread beyond the thyroid. Who this helps: This benefits surgeons and pathologists by providing clearer guidelines for assessing thyroid lesions.

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This study looked at tumor cells in samples taken from women with gynecologic cancers before and after they received a specific type of chemotherapy followed by surgery. Researchers found that in 79% of the samples, the presence of cancer cells was confirmed, and there was a decrease in the number of these malignant cells after chemotherapy in some patients. However, the overall cell structure and surrounding components remained mostly unchanged. Understanding these changes can help doctors better assess patient outcomes and refine treatment strategies. Who this helps: This helps patients with gynecologic cancers and their healthcare providers.

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This study focuses on a 67-year-old woman diagnosed with melanoma, a type of skin cancer, after a biopsy revealed it was at least 0.6 mm thick. Despite multiple surgeries, which initially seemed to remove the cancer, she developed metastatic melanoma in her brain and sadly passed away ten months after her diagnosis. Recognizing the difference between cancerous cells and benign cells in similar skin lesions is crucial for doctors to provide appropriate treatment and improve patient outcomes. Who this helps: This benefits dermatologists and patients dealing with melanoma.

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This study looked at a rare type of cancer called myeloid sarcoma that developed in the eye area of an 87-year-old woman. The researchers found that the tumor had specific characteristics, including certain positive markers in the cells indicating a severe prognosis, with 40% of the cancer cells actively dividing. This case is important because it increases awareness of a rare cancer variant that can occur in unusual locations, helping doctors diagnose and treat it better in the future. Who this helps: This helps doctors and patients by improving understanding of rare cancers.

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This study focused on a rare type of tumor found in the lower eyelid, specifically looking at a case involving a 58-year-old woman who developed a noticeable lump over four months. The examination showed that the tumor had characteristics of smooth muscle, suggesting it likely originated from small blood vessels in the area. Understanding this type of tumor is important for accurate diagnosis and treatment options for similar cases. Who this helps: This benefits patients with rare eyelid tumors and their doctors.

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This study looked at a rare type of tissue from the lacrimal gland found in a 77-year-old woman who had excessive tearing, known as epiphora. During surgery, doctors discovered this unusual tissue in the wall of her lacrimal sac, which has not been seen before. The findings are important because they can help doctors better understand and diagnose similar eye issues in the future. Who this helps: This helps patients with eye conditions related to tear drainage problems.

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This research focused on two cases of limbal cysts, which are growths in the eye area. In one case, a 30-year-old man had a long-term cyst, and a second 40-year-old man had a cyst removed after eye surgery. The study found that both cysts had characteristics specific to corneal tissue, suggesting they may form from certain stem cells in the eye. Who this helps: This information helps doctors understand and treat specific eye conditions better.

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This study looked at a 32-year-old woman who developed swelling in both her upper and lower eyelids, along with losing all her eyelashes. After examining a sample from her eyelid, doctors found she had a rare type of lymphoma called extranodal marginal zone lymphoma. This specific lymphoma is unusual because most skin lymphomas are typically T-cell types, not B-cell types, which highlights the need for more awareness and understanding of different lymphoma presentations. Who this helps: This helps doctors and patients by improving the understanding and diagnosis of uncommon skin lymphomas.

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This study looked at a rare eye tumor in a 3-week-old baby girl, specifically focusing on the types of cells that made up the tumor. Researchers found that the tumor contained different kinds of developing cells (neuroblasts and astrocytes) that came from a special layer of cells in the eye, providing clear signs of how these cells develop. This understanding is important because it helps doctors better understand the tumor's structure and origins, which can lead to more effective treatments. Who this helps: Doctors treating pediatric patients with eye tumors.

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This study looked at two different types of growths in the eye area: a multifocal orbital lymphoid tumor and a lymphaticovenous malformation. Researchers found that these two conditions often get confused because their symptoms can look similar, but important differences exist. For example, the orbital lymphoid tumor usually appears in people around 60 years old, while lymphaticovenous malformations are typically seen in young children. The study showed that using MRI imaging can help doctors correctly identify these tumors, thus preventing misdiagnosis. Who this helps: This research benefits doctors by improving their ability to diagnose eye tumors correctly.

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This study looked at a 66-year-old man who had recurring infections around his anus, which turned out to be a rare case of basal cell carcinoma (BCC), a type of skin cancer usually found in sun-exposed areas. The cancer was quite large at the time of diagnosis, and although it was successfully removed, it highlights how delays in diagnosis can make the surgery more complicated. Detecting this type of cancer early is crucial for better treatment outcomes. Who this helps: Patients with unusual skin conditions near their anus can benefit from awareness and early diagnosis of basal cell carcinoma.

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This study looked at a skin growth called a dermatofibroma that appeared on the eyelid of a 64-year-old woman. It discovered that the growth contained unusual large cells, referred to as "monster cells," but these cells do not indicate cancer. The findings indicate that eyelid dermatofibromas are more likely to come back after treatment and should be removed with extra care to ensure all of it is taken out. Who this helps: This benefits patients with eyelid dermatofibromas by informing better treatment practices.

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This study looked at a 25-year-old man with Type 1 diabetes who had a surprising finding during cataract surgery: a cyst in his eye that was not expected. The cyst was identified as an orbital dermoid cyst, which is a type of growth that can cause visual problems. Understanding this condition is important because it can help doctors diagnose similar cases more quickly, ensuring better treatment for patients. Who this helps: This helps eye surgeons and their patients by improving diagnosis and treatment options.

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This study looked at a rare type of cyst found in the eyelid of a 71-year-old woman. Researchers discovered that the cyst, which appeared blue under her eyelashes, was connected to a specific type of sweat gland. This finding is significant because it's the first time an eccrine cyst has been identified in the eyelid skin, helping doctors better understand and diagnose eyelid conditions. Who this helps: This helps doctors diagnose and treat eyelid cysts more accurately.

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This study looked at a case of a 66-year-old man who had a small, painless bump on his eyelid, which turned out to be a dermatofibroma, a type of benign tumor. Researchers found that the tumor's cells showed specific markers that helped confirm this diagnosis, rather than a more aggressive type of tumor. This is important because eyelid dermatofibromas are rare, can come back after surgery, and may have been misidentified in the past, so doctors need to be careful in diagnosing and treating them. Who this helps: Patients with eyelid dermatofibromas and their doctors.

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This study examined a rare type of cancer called natural killer T-cell lymphoma (NKTCL) in an 81-year-old man who first showed symptoms with swelling and inflammation around his left eye. After various tests, doctors confirmed he had NKTCL linked to the Epstein-Barr virus, which had already spread to other organs, and despite treatment, he sadly passed away five months later. This case highlights the importance of recognizing NKTCL in patients with eye swelling, as early diagnosis can impact treatment decisions. Who this helps: This information is useful for doctors, particularly those specializing in eye conditions.

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This study looked at two middle-aged women with a condition called ocular cicatricial pemphigoid (OCP), which affects the eyes and can lead to severe complications. Both women developed eye tumors: one had a non-invasive tumor, and the other had an invasive cancer, occurring alongside their OCP symptoms. This research highlights the need for careful monitoring and repeat testing, as initial tests can miss important issues, emphasizing that doctors should be vigilant in similar cases. Who this helps: This information benefits patients with ocular cicatricial pemphigoid and their doctors.

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This study examined a rare type of bone growth, called an exophytic osteochondroma, in the brow area of an 87-year-old woman who had it for 15 years. The researchers found that the growth was made of both bone and cartilage and was connected to the frontal bone by a narrow stalk. This finding is important because it helps differentiate this type of lesion from similar ones, improving the understanding of how to diagnose and treat such conditions. Who this helps: This helps doctors and patients dealing with similar bone growths in the brow region.

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This study looked at the eye health of a premature infant using a special imaging tool called optical coherence tomography. It found that the infant had significantly thinner layers of nerve cells in the eye but that a swelling in the retina improved by the time the child turned one year old. Understanding these eye changes is important for properly managing and addressing vision issues in children who were born prematurely. Who this helps: This benefits premature infants and their caregivers by improving monitoring and treatment of potential eye problems.

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Researchers studied whether a lack of estrogen causes inflammation in tear-producing glands and leads to dry eyes in mice. They found that the absence of estrogen did not cause inflammation or dry eyes; in fact, the mice without estrogen produced more tears compared to those with estrogen. This matters because it challenges the idea that estrogen deficiency is a cause of dry eye syndrome. Who this helps: This information benefits patients experiencing dry eyes and helps doctors better understand the role of hormones in eye health.

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This study examined tissue samples from 15 patients with dacryops, which are cysts in the tear ducts, to better understand their makeup compared to healthy tear glands. Researchers found that while the lesions contained certain cell types and markers typical of the lacrimal glands, they did not exhibit features that would suggest a specific pattern of abnormal growth. Notably, no lesions came back after being surgically removed, and the average patient age was about 51 years, with no impact on vision or eye movement. Who this helps: This information helps doctors better diagnose and treat patients with lacrimal duct cysts.

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The study looked at four cases of retinal tumors often called "vasoproliferative tumors" to understand their nature better. Researchers found that these tumors, primarily made up of specific cells called astrocytes, have very low cell replication rates and lack features typically seen in cancerous tumors, like a high number of blood vessels or certain genetic mutations. This matters because the current terminology is misleading, and understanding these tumors more accurately can lead to better treatment approaches. Who this helps: Patients with retinal tumors and their doctors.

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This study looked at how the absence of an enzyme called aromatase, which produces estrogen, affects the meibomian gland in male and female mice. The researchers found that without aromatase, more than a thousand genes in these glands were affected, and these changes were influenced by the sex of the mice. However, the study also revealed that losing aromatase did not change the structure of these glands. Who this helps: This research benefits scientists and doctors studying gender differences in eye health.

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This study looked at a complex tumor found in the eye area of a 31-year-old woman who experienced headaches and eye movement issues. The tumor measured 1.5 cm and was difficult to remove during surgery because it was tightly attached to nearby tissues. The findings highlight that such tumors can pose serious risks during surgery due to their unique characteristics. Who this helps: This information benefits doctors and surgeons dealing with similar tumors in patients.

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This study looked at a rare type of eyelid tumor called pleomorphic adenoma, which can sometimes be mistaken for a cyst. The researchers found that this tumor is made up of specialized cells and does not contain cartilage, indicating it likely originates from a specific type of gland in the eyelid. Understanding this tumor better is important for accurate diagnosis and treatment, as it helps doctors distinguish it from other similar conditions. Who this helps: This benefits patients with eyelid tumors and their doctors in making more accurate diagnoses.

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This study focused on a rare type of tumor called a solitary fibrous tumor (SFT) and its spread to the eye area. Researchers reported the first known case of this type of tumor metastasizing to the orbit, involving a 57-year-old man who had previously been treated for SFT in the chest and a kidney metastasis. After surgery to remove the tumor near his eye, his symptoms improved, but unfortunately, he passed away three months later due to more widespread cancer. Who this helps: This helps doctors and patients by highlighting the potential for SFT to spread to new areas, which can affect treatment decisions.

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This study looked at a rare type of cyst found in the tear duct of a 54-year-old man. The cyst was unique because it was filled with a substance called keratin and had a specific structure that hasn't been documented before. This discovery is important because it adds to our understanding of potential problems in the tear drainage system, helping doctors recognize and diagnose similar issues in the future. Who this helps: This helps doctors and eye specialists in diagnosing and treating patients with tear drainage issues.

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This study looks at a rare case where a type of swelling, called a filtering bleb, formed after cataract surgery due to an unexpected issue. During the surgery, a piece of the cornea got stuck and prevented the eye from healing properly, which led to the formation of the bleb. Understanding this situation is important because it helps doctors recognize and manage similar complications in other patients. Who this helps: This helps doctors performing cataract surgery.

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In this study, researchers examined a non-cancerous tumor called an orbital perineurioma found in an 83-year-old woman during surgery for a recurring eye infection. The tumor was well-defined and located near the tear duct, and tests showed it is unlikely to become cancerous even if it's not completely removed. This finding is important because it helps doctors understand what to expect when treating similar cases, ensuring patients get appropriate care without unnecessary worries about cancer. Who this helps: Patients with eye infections and their doctors.

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This study looked at 30 cases of blockages in the tear drainage system, focusing on their characteristics and how they relate to patients' symptoms. Researchers found two main types of blockages: 20 were made up of bacteria, and 7 were made of a substance called mucopeptide. The bacteria were often linked to dry eye symptoms in women, and understanding these types could help improve diagnosis and treatment of eye issues. Who this helps: Patients suffering from dry eyes and related conditions.

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This study looked at a specific skin growth on the eyelid of an 86-year-old woman, measuring 0.3 by 0.2 centimeters. After removing the growth, doctors found it was a type of harmless lesion called a basaloid follicular hamartoma, which is different from more serious skin cancers and often does not require aggressive treatment. Understanding this condition is important because it helps differentiate between benign and malignant skin lesions, ensuring patients receive appropriate care. Who this helps: This helps patients with eyelid growths by offering clarity on their diagnosis and treatment.

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This study looked at a specific skin condition called a linear epidermal nevus on the eyelid of a 75-year-old man. After surgery to remove the growth, tests showed it was benign and not linked to other serious health issues. Understanding this condition is important because it helps doctors recognize that while these skin lesions are usually harmless, they can sometimes be associated with more serious conditions, and proper removal is often the best treatment. Who this helps: This benefits patients with similar skin lesions and their doctors by providing clarity on diagnosis and treatment options.

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The study focused on a rare eye cancer called conjunctival mucoepidermoid carcinoma, which is often misdiagnosed and has a high recurrence rate of 85%. Researchers looked at a 63-year-old woman whose cancer was initially thought to be a different type but was correctly identified through specific tests. They emphasized the need for better diagnosis methods and treatment options, highlighting that surgery is more effective than other therapies. Who this helps: This research helps doctors who treat patients with eye cancers by providing clearer guidelines for diagnosis and treatment.

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This study looked at a rare condition in adults called dacryocystomucopyocele, which involves the enlargement of the tear sac and can lead to severe infection. The researchers described a 95-year-old woman with an unusually large dacryocystomucopyocele that developed over 25 years, causing displacement of her eye and infection from specific bacteria. This matters because understanding this condition can help doctors diagnose and treat similar cases, particularly in elderly patients where it is less common. Who this helps: This helps patients with tear drainage issues and the doctors who treat them.

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This study looked at a new type of tumor found in the eye area called angiomyofibroma, which has features of both a vascular leiomyoma and a cavernous hemangioma. The researchers examined a case involving a 44-year-old man who had a slow-growing tumor that caused his eye to bulge slightly but did not affect his vision. They found that the tumor was difficult to completely remove during surgery, so they recommend leaving small portions behind rather than risking complications from trying to take it all out, since these types of tumors typically do not come back if not fully excised. Who this helps: This information benefits doctors who treat patients with orbital tumors.

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This research studied the eye structure of newborns with primary congenital glaucoma, a serious condition that affects their vision. The study found significant issues with the eye, including missing parts of a crucial drainage system and abnormal connections in the eye's tissues, which makes surgery often ineffective. Understanding these specific problems helps explain why traditional treatments don't work well for these infants. Who this helps: Patients with primary congenital glaucoma and their doctors.

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In this study, researchers examined a bluish-gray mass on the upper eyelid of an 82-year-old woman that had been present for eight months. They found that the mass was caused by a combination of old and new blood clots, along with changes in the blood vessel structure, indicating it came from a vein. This discovery is important because it provides new insights into the causes of eyelid masses, which can help ensure proper diagnosis and treatment for similar cases in the future. Who this helps: This helps doctors and patients dealing with eyelid masses.

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This study examined eyelid cysts called hidrocystomas, focusing on how to accurately identify them using tissue analysis. Researchers looked at 40 cases and found that 37 out of 40 hidrocystomas tested positive for certain markers indicating they were of apocrine origin, not eccrine as previously thought. This research is important because it clarifies how these cysts should be diagnosed and treated, ensuring better patient care. Who this helps: This helps patients suffering from eyelid hidrocystomas and doctors diagnosing these conditions.

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Researchers studied a special coating called N,N-hexyl,methyl-polyethylenimine (HMPEI) applied to Boston Keratoprosthesis (B-KPro) materials, which are used in eye surgeries. They found that this coating significantly reduced the growth of harmful bacteria, Staphylococcus aureus, while being safe for corneal cells and did not cause any harm when tested in rabbits. This is important because it could lead to better outcomes for patients receiving eye implants, reducing the risk of infections. Who this helps: Patients receiving eye implants.

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This study tested a new wireless device that measures eye pressure in rabbits. The researchers found that this device was safe and well-accepted by the rabbits' eyes and that its pressure readings were reliable compared to other standard measuring devices. Specifically, the wireless device showed a variation of about 0.81 mm Hg in its measurements, which is low compared to the other devices used. Who this helps: This helps doctors and researchers working on better ways to monitor eye pressure in patients, especially those with glaucoma.

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This study looks at treatments for ocular inflammatory disease, which is a major cause of blindness in the U.S. Researchers compared traditional medications like cyclosporine with newer treatments, including biologics and experimental drugs. They found that both types of treatments can be effective, but the new ones might offer additional benefits or fewer side effects. Who this helps: This helps patients with eye inflammation and their doctors in choosing the best treatment options.

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The study investigated a case of unilateral (one-sided) retinal dysplasia, a condition that affects the eye's retina. Researchers found abnormal retinal structures, high levels of a protein called VEGF-A, and no known mutations in the gene typically associated with a similar condition called Norrie disease. This matters because it highlights potential new pathways involved in retinal dysplasia that could inform future research and treatments. Who this helps: Patients with retinal dysplasia and their healthcare providers.

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This study examined a case involving a 72-year-old woman who had a small growth on her lower eyelid, which was later found to contain a type of skin cancer called basal cell carcinoma. The researchers discovered that this cancer developed within a harmless cyst on her eyelid, marking the first known instance of this happening. This finding emphasizes the importance of checking even small eyelid growths for cancer, as they may not always look dangerous but can be serious. Who this helps: This helps patients and doctors by highlighting the need for careful examination of eyelid lesions.