ORBITAL SOCIETY

Metastasis

Metastastic disease is the spread of cancer from its original site. Occasionally metastasis can occur to the orbit. The most common malignancy to metastasize in women is breast cancer. In men, the most common is lung cancer. Neuroblastoma is the most common metastasis in children. Symptoms of metastasis to the orbit include pain, eyeball protrusion, decreased vision, and strabismus. Sclerosing breast carcinoma can cause the eyeball to sink into the orbit (enophthalmos). Because of the abundant blood supply present, extraocular muscles are commonly involved in orbital metastasis.

Diagnosis

Imaging may show bony destruction and displacement of adjacent structures such as the eyeball, eye muscles and nerves. A previous or current history of cancer may be present. Increased cancer markers, such as carcinoembryonic antigen, may be present in the blood.

Treatment

Local radiation therapy or local excision may be utilized. Treatment of the primary malignancy is managed by the oncologist.

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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