Cavernous hemangiomas of the orbit

Abstract

Orbital cavernous hemangioma patients managed at the Ocular Oncology unit at the University of California, San Francisco between 1979 to 1994 were retrospectively reviewed. A total of 25 cases were analyzed. Typically, this benign intraconal orbital neoplasm presented as a gradual painless, unilateral proptosis in middle-aged women. These tumors have a typical imaging pattern and in more than 90% of cases computed tomographic scanning or magnetic resonance imaging yielded a correct diagnosis. However, other benign and malignant tumors may be simulated by this lesion including: neurilemmomas, meningiomas, and hemangiopericytomas. Indications for surgery included tumor growth, evidence of visual dysfunction or symptomatic proptosis. Surgical excision can usually be accomplished with a relatively low morbidity. Asymptomatic cavernous hemangiomas can be followed safely with serial imaging.

Key Words:

• Orbital tumor
• hemangioma
• proptosis
• orbital neoplasm