ORBITAL SOCIETY

Lymphoma

Orbital lymphoma presents as a slowly progressive painless mass, and up to 50% are located in or next to the lacrimal gland. These lesions don’t destroy bone but mold themselves around normal orbital structures.

Diagnosis

Orbital imaging on CT scan characteristically demonstrates a putty-like molding of the tumor around normal structures. Bony destruction is usually not seen, except in high-grade malignant lymphomas.

A biopsy is recommended when possible to obtain a specimen to establish a diagnosis with molecular studies.

Management

All patients with orbital lymphoma should be examined by an oncologist, since systemic lymphoma may occur. Orbital lymphomas are sensitive to radiation. Complete surgical excision is often difficult because of the infiltrative nature of orbital lymphomas. Aggressive lymphomas may require radiotherapy, chemotherapy, or both.

Types of common orbital tumors include:

Cancers:

• Lymphoma (primary cancer of the orbit that may involve the bone marrow)
  
• Metastasis (cancer from another part of the body seeding the orbit)
  
• Secondary cancers spreading from the adjacent structures (skin, sinus, or brain)

Non-cancers:

• Cavernous hemangioma (benign vascular tumor)
  
• Meningioma (benign neural tumor)
  
• Dermoid Cyst

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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