Orbital Tumors

The orbit is the bony socket that contains the eye, the muscles that move the eye, the optic nerve, and all the related nerves and blood vessels. There are many different kinds of orbital tumors, some of which are:

optic nerve glioma, a benign tumor often associated with neurofibromatosis;

orbital meningioma, a tumor growing from the tissue covering the brain;

hemangioma, a benign tumor made up of blood vessels or vessel elements;

lymphoma, a tumor made up of cells that fight infection;

lymphangioma, a tumor made up of enlarged lymphatic vessels;

neurofibroma, a tumor made up nerve cells;

sarcoma, a malignant tumor growing from connective tissue; and

metastasis, a malignant tumor that spreads to the orbit from other parts of the body.

Signs of an orbital tumor include bulging of the eyeball, visual loss, double vision, or pain.

Once the tumor is discovered and imaged with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computerized tomography (CT scan), it is usually necessary to perform a biopsy or remove the tumor in order to diagnose the tumor. If necessary, surgery is usually sufficient for most orbital tumors, including optic nerve glioma and meningioma. Some orbital tumors may require different or additional treatments. For malignant tumors including sarcomas and metastases, radiation therapy and sometimes chemotherapy are necessary.