Orbital schwannomas in Pakistan

Abstract

Abstract Purpose To highlight the frequency and types of origin of Orbital Schwannomas Methods Medical Record of all the patients with orbital tumours presenting between 2000‐2009 was analysed and records showing the histopathological diagnosis of Schwannoma were identified and studied further for type and origin of Schwannomas. Results A total of 432 patients with orbital tumours were found during last 10 years. Out of these, 10 patients were found to have Schwannomas (2.31%). Age ranged from 12 years to 50 years, while there was equal gender ratio. The commonest site of origin was roof of orbit. Six patients had origin from roof, three from intraconal region and one from floor of the orbit. Out of the tumours from roof, 5 took origin from supraorbital nerve and one from trochlear nerve involving the superior oblique muscle. The three intraconal tumours were most likely from ciliary nerves, while the one from floor was from infraorbital nerve. All the tumours except one was removed in toto. The only one where incision biopsy was taken was very close to optic nerve. Histopathologically, there were three rare variants ‐ ancient schwannomas, while the rest were classical schwannomas. There was no association of optic nerve tumours. Visual acuity was not disturbed by any of these. Conclusion Orbital Schwannomas constitute 2.31% of orbital tumours in Pakistan. The commonest origin is roof of orbit and ancient schwannomas constitute a rare variant.