Orbital Tumours
Orbital Tumour in left eye.
What are orbital tumours?
Orbital tumours are abnormal masses found within the orbit. Orbital tumours may be neoplastic or vascular in nature and can arise from any of the tissues found within the orbit (muscle, fat, connective tissue, lymphoid tissue, nerves or vessels).
What are symptoms of orbital tumours?
Common symptoms of orbital tumours include eye ‘bulging’, visual degradation, double vision, and pain. Sometimes, orbital masses are discovered incidentally on routine brain imaging.
What is the treatment of orbital tumours?
The treatment of orbital tumours depends on many factors including the likely diagnosis, the tumour’s effects on vision, and the patient’s age and wishes. Following diagnostic imaging (CT and/or MRI), a biopsy may be first performed to obtain diagnosis and help plan definitive treatment. Definitive treatment may involve surgical excision and / or radiotherapy. In some cases, where the orbital tumour is considered to be benign and without secondary effects on vision or the eye, careful observation may be exercised.