METASTATIC TUMORS

Metastatic tumors reach the orbit by hematogenous spread, since the orbit is devoid of lymphatics. Metastasis is usually from the breast in women and from the lung in men. In children, the most common metastatic tumor is neuroblastoma, which is often associated with spontaneous periocular hemorrhage as the rapidly growing tumor becomes necrotic. Metastatic tumors are much more common in the choroid than in the orbit, probably because of the nature of the blood supply.

Many metastatic orbital tumors respond to radiation, some to chemotherapy. Small localized tumors that are symptomatic can sometimes be completely or partially excised. Neuroblastomas in children under 11 months have a relatively good prognosis. Adults with metastatic tumors in the orbit have a very limited life expectancy.

10.1036/1535-8860.ch13

Customer Privacy Policy Copyright ©2002-2003 The McGraw-Hill Companies. All rights reserved. Any use is subject to the Terms of Use and Notice. Additional credits and copyright information. For further information about this site contact tech_support@accessmedicine.com. Last modified: October 17, 2002 .