Orbital Tumours Moreleta Park Pretoria

ORBITAL TUMOURS

OVERVIEW
Orbital tumours are abnormal tissue growths that occur in the structures surrounding the eye. This tissue growth may be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous) and primarily arise from the orbit or spread (metastasise) from somewhere else in the body.

TYPES OF ORBITAL TUMOURS

SQUAMOUS CELL CARCINOMA
this cancer usually starts on the ocular surface and then spreads to the orbit if left untreated. It is a very aggressive cancer that also has the potential to spread via the back of the orbit to the brain and result in loss of life.
CAVERNOUS HEMANGIOMA
an abnormal cluster of tightly packed, thin-walled, small blood vessels called capillaries. This tumour causes symptoms such as facial drooping, headaches, blurred vision, double vision or vision loss.
MENINGIOMAS
non-cancerous tumours of the meninges, the membranes that cover and protect the brain and spinal cord. These tumours can compress adjacent brain tissue and also extend into the orbit, causing the eye to bulge forward abnormally.
ORBITAL LYMPHOMAS
These are a group of tumours that occur in the reticuloendothelial and lymphatic systems. Lymphomas may affect the lymph nodes/glands, thymus gland, spleen and bone marrow, as well as other organs throughout the body.
RETINOBLASTOMA
This is the cancer of the retina that affects children specifically.

REQUEST A CONSULTATION

SYMPTOMS OF ORBITAL TUMOURS

In some cases, orbital tumours may not cause any symptoms, or symptoms may occur gradually over a long period. Some patients, however, may experience rapid onset symptoms. Common symptoms of orbital tumours include the development of a bulging eye, abnormal appearance of the eye, decreased vision, episodes of vision loss, and double vision.

TREATMENT

Surgery is performed to remove orbital tumours. The ophthalmologist may also recommend radiation and chemotherapy for rare malignant tumours. In addition, stereotactic radiosurgery may also be indicated, which involves the use of a highly focused beam of radiation that targets the cancer cells and destroys them.

FAQ

1How are orbital tumours diagnosed?

The ophthalmologist may conduct a series of tests such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans and computed tomography (CT) scans. These scans will help provide a clear image of the structures of the orbit. Following imaging, a piece of the tumour will be surgically removed, this is called a biopsy. The biopsy is sent to a laboratory for diagnostic testing, which will confirm the diagnosis and type of cancer. This will then dictate further treatment.

2Will my eye be removed permanently?

Certain orbital tumours do require the removal of the eye and other orbital contents. Eye removal surgery is always the last option and will only be considered if the eye is unsalvageable or if the presence of the tumour in and around the eye/orbit has the potential to result in death, a life-threatening tumour.

3Can an infection or inflammation cause orbital tumours?

No, an infection can not cause an orbit tumour. However, inflammation such as pseudotumour (idiopathic orbital inflammatory disease) or sarcoidosis and infection such as cellulitis or an abscess can mimic a tumour by producing symptoms that make the eye/orbit look as if there is a tumour present.