Orbital tumors

Abstract

Orbital tumours include a variety of orbital diseases of different origins. In the case of malignant orbital tumours, early detection is important so that treatment can be initiated promptly. Neuroradiological imaging, in particular magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), plays an important role in the diagnostic of orbital tumours. In adults, lymphoproliferative diseases, inflammations and secondary orbital tumours are most frequently found, whereas in children mostly dermoid cysts, optic gliomas and capillary haemangiomas are found. Optic glioma is a pilocytic astrocytoma and accounts for two thirds of all primary optic tumours. Optic nerve sheath meningiomas mostly affect middle-aged women. In childhood, retinoblastoma is the most common intraocular tumour. This is an aggressive malignant tumour which can occur unilaterally or bilaterally. Based on the imaging findings, differential diagnoses can usually be easily narrowed down using criteria such as age of manifestation, frequency, localisation and imaging characteristics.