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Tumors of the orbit include:
- Neurogenic tumors such as meningiomas of the optic nerve, gliomas of the optic nerve, and meningiomas that arise from the lining of the brain (meningiomas behind the orbit).
- Vascular tumors such as hemangioma and lymphangioma.
- Lacrimal tumors (i.e.: tumors originating from the tear gland).
- Lymphoma
- Secondary tumors of the orbit including tumors from the adjacent tissues that have invaded the orbit, such as sinus, eyelids, or bones
Diagnostic modalities include:
- Ultrasound scanning primarily for tissue typing of more anterior tumors
- CT scanning
- MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)
- Biopsy (either by find needle aspiration when the tumor is soft or by direct, open surgical methods
Sign and Symptoms
- Forward bulging (proptosis) or displacement downward/ upward/ outward
- Eye deviation
- Pain and double vision
- Drooping eyelid with or without a palpable mass
- Loss or distortion of vision
Management
- Isolated mass - for any orbital tumor that is well defined, isolated and causing dysfunction of the eye, total excision of the tumor by open surgical techniques is recommended.
- For tumors that invade the tissues of the orbit, biopsy is recommended in order to define the appropriate treatment.
- Patients may need further treatment such as chemotherapy and or radiotherapy following the tumor excision or incisional biopsy.