Orbital Tumors

Abstract

According to publications, more than 100 different types of lesions can develop in the orbit (Rootman 1988; Baert 2006). The main role in the diagnosis of orbital lesions plays the analysis of history and clinical symptoms, and only a small proportion of cases requires neuroradiological studies to clarify the diagnosis. CT examinations of the orbit use mainly thin-slice helical scanning with reformations in the plane of interest. The use of CT perfusion imaging became a new approach in the diagnosis of orbital lesions, which opened a new era in the evaluation of hemodynamics of orbital tumors. MRI studies of the orbit are distinguished by the mandatory use of fat suppression techniques, both before and after intravenous contrast enhancement. Preference is given to T2- and T1-weighted sequences with thin 3-millimeter slices, directed along the course of the optic nerves in the axial, sagittal, and oblique views. Frontal projections should be oriented perpendicularly to the optic nerve; therefore, they are performed at least twice. Metastasizing of malignant tumors to the orbit is an uncommon event; however, attention should be paid to this area in melanoma and breast cancer.