Classification of Orbital Tumors

Abstract

Orbital tumors represent approximately 0.1 % of all body tumors and approximately one-fifth of all orbital diseases. Classification schemes vary and stratify orbital tumors based on demographics, site of origin, anatomic location within the orbit, histopathologic features, clinical course, and imaging findings. Defining orbital neoplasia presents difficulties, as choristomas, hamartomas, and inflammatory lesions can present as space-occupying lesions and behave as benign and even malignant, neoplasms. In general, neoplasms of the orbit may be classified as primary, secondary (infiltration from an adjacent structure), or metastatic (from distant structures). Orbital neoplasia can be divided into histological categories that include benign, benign but locally aggressive, and malignant. In some cases, especially lymphoproliferative lesions, a spectrum from benign to malignant exists.