Vascular tumors of the orbit

Abstract

Eighty-five vascular lesions of the orbit examined and treated between 1963–1993 were reviewed retrospectively to reveal the types of vascular tumors, age and sex distribution, clinical characteristics, treatment options and prognosis. Capillary hemangioma was the most frequent orbital vascular tumor accounting for 37 of 85 cases making up 43.5% of the entire orbital masses. Cavernous hemangioma accounted for 35 cases (41.2%), varices for 3 cases (3.5%), anteriovenous malformations for 3 cases (3.5%), angiosarcomas for 3 cases (3.5%), lymphangiomas for 3 cases (3.5%) and hemangiopericytoma for one case (1.2%). Of the 85 vascular tumor cases 43 were encountered in children aged 18 years or less. Capillary hemangioma was the most frequent pediatric orbital vascular lesion, making up 86% of the vascular tumors in this age group. Capillary hemangiomas have been treated with observation and intralesional corticosteroid injections. Cavernous hemangiomas, vascular malformations, lymphangiomas and two cases of angiosarcomas received orbitotomy. One case each of angiosarcoma and hemangiopericytoma underwent exenteration because of the advanced stage of the lesion. There was one tumor-related death who was a 9-year-old boy diagnosed with angiosarcoma. Vascular tumors with the exception of angiosarcomas and hemangiopericytoma behaved as benign lesions.