Orbital space-occupying lesions. Practical aspects of imaging

During the period 1992-1998,we diagnosed orbital tumors in 23 cases at the MLU Halle-Wittenberg. In the intraconal compartment we mostly saw cavernous hemangiomas and neurogenic tumors. Lymphomas and a primary meningioma were located in the extraconal space. Beneath the periosteum, bony processes, tumors of the sinuses, dermoid-and epidermoid-cysts normally occur, but we only observed metastases and hematomas. Furthermore,tumors of the lacrimal gland and inflammatory lesions were diagnosed. Orbital tumors are uncommon lesions, whose location in the orbit gives an important hint to differential diagnosis, because a high percentage of various pathologies is located in special compartments of the orbit. According to our results,the MRI-scan is usually sufficient for differentiation and for preoperative planning in order to reduce the X-ray dose of the lens. CT-scans with contrast are sometimes necessary for examining bone destroying processes and for planning the surgical approach to removing the tumor. X-rays of the skull widely lost their importance in the exact diagnostic of orbital tumors. B-scan ultrasonic imaging is reserved for screening and follow-up examination. Despite the use of MRI and CT scanning, the histological examination remains necessary.