See an Orbital Expert
Because she is an Ophthalmologist and Oculoplastic Surgeon, eyes are her first priority. Dr. Sherman is Board Certified and has fellowship training in Oculoplastic and Eye Plastic surgery, so she is uniquely qualified to diagnose and treat orbital (eye socket)tumors. Dr. Sherman treats a wide variety of orbital tumors. Dr. Sherman knows the eye and orbital anatomy to the highest degree. As an Occuloplastic surgeon with over 20 years of experience, she is well qualified to examine you and discuss with you all available treatment options.
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Note the orbital tumor is removed through a hidden incision in the eyelid crease, creating a natural result. |
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What is an Orbital Tumor?
A tumor is an abnormal growth of any tissue which can be either benign or malignant that is found in the orbit, an anatomical term for the tissues that surround the eye. Some call the orbit the “house” that the eye lives in. Orbital tumors can affect any tissue that surrounds the eye in the orbital (eye socket) area, which includes the eyeball, eye muscles, optic nerve, fat, blood vessels, and other tissues.
Note the patient has more fullness of tissue around the eye on the left side, making one suspect an orbital tumor
Orbital tumors should be diagnosed immediately, and early treatment should be provided in order to prevent possible loss of an eye. Benign orbital tumors typically remain localized, whereas malignant tumors can often spread into surrounding areas. Sometimes tumors grow into the orbital area, or a tumor may travel to the orbital area from another part of the body.
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| Notice after surgery, the eyelid margin is uninterrupted due to removal with attention to proper eyelid repair technique. | |
The orbit is the bony socket that contains the eye, the muscles that move the eye, the optic nerve, and all the related nerves, blood vessels, and surrounding tissues. The different kinds of orbital tumors that commonly occur include:
- 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
- Lymphangioma, a tumor made up of enlarged lymphatic vessels
- Neurofibroma, a tumor made up nerve cells
- Dermoid, a benign tumor that is present since birth
- Sarcoma, a malignant tumor growing from connective tissue
- Metastasis, a malignant tumor that spreads to the orbit from other parts of the body
Signs of an Orbital Tumor
- Bulging of the eyeball
- Visual loss
- Double vision or restriction of eye movement
- Pain or pressure behind the eye
Diagnosis of Orbital Tumor
MRI or CT scan is used to image the tumor upon discovery
Treatment Options
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 in order to diagnose the tumor. Biopsy or surgical removal is usually necessary for accurate diagnosis. Surgery is usually sufficient for most orbital tumors, but some orbital tumors may require different or additional treatments. Malignant tumors may require radiation therapy and/or chemotherapy.
