Primary tumors and infiltrative processes of the orbit: a retrospective study

Czech version

Authors: M. Štrbová ^1,2; B. Gál ^1,2; P. Urbánková ^1,2; M. Veselý ^1,2; V. Vlček ^1,2; M. Kelblová ³
Published in: Otorinolaryngol Foniatr, 74, 2025, No. 2, pp. 132-140.
Category: Original Article
doi: https://doi.org/10.48095/ccorl2025132

Overview

Introduction: Primary tumors and infiltrative processes of the orbit include a fairly wide range of diagnoses. Tumors and infiltrations that arise primarily from the tissues of the orbital space bounded by the periorbita are termed primary, while secondary tumors encroach into the orbit from surrounding tissues outside the periorbita. A special group consists of metastatic lesions. Aim: Retrospective observational analysis of a cohort of patients diagnosed for a primary tumor or infiltration of the orbit at the Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery at St. Anne‘s Hospital in Brno (KOCHHK) between 2000 and 2023. Methods: Patients aged ≥ 18 years who underwent otorhinolaryngological and ophthalmological examinations, imaging (CT/MRI), and treatment were included. Demographic parameters, symptomatology, diagnostic and therapeutic approaches, histological characteristics of the processes, and treatment effect were evaluated. Results: In the study group, the most common benign process was a pseudotumour of the orbit (12 patients, 33%), of which 11 patients underwent corticosteroid therapy. Complete regression was observed in 7 patients, partial regression was in 1 patient, and recurrence was in 4 patients. Lymphoma was the most common malignant infiltration (10 patients, 27%), with 6 patients having MALT-lymphoma. Nine patients had complete remission and 1 patient had partial remission. Conclusion: Diagnosis and therapy of primary lesions of the orbit inevitably require interdisciplinary cooperation of the ophthalmologist, neurosurgeon, otorhinolaryngologist, radiologist, histopathologist, hematooncologist, and others. For diagnosis and adequate treatment, imaging examination is crucial, usually supplemented by histological verification. Its performance, and if necessary, surgical removal of the lesion is limited by localization. Prognosis depends not only on the malignant potential of the lesion, but also significantly on its relationship to the surrounding area and to important structures in the orbit.

Keywords:

lymphoma – orbital tumors – pseudotumor

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