Intracranial paraganglioma (glomus tumor) with orbital extension.

PURPOSE

To describe the clinical features of an intracranial glomus tumor with orbital extension.

METHODS

Case report.

RESULTS

A 15-year-old girl was examined for a large, vascular intracranial mass extending into the orbit. Attempted orbital biopsy was aborted for fear of uncontrollable hemorrhage. Tumor embolization and partial resection was performed. Histology was consistent with paraganglioma (glomus tumor).

CONCLUSION

The orbital surgeon should include glomus tumor in the differential diagnosis of vascular orbital lesions. Their vascularity and hemorrhagic potential should be considered when approaching these lesions surgically.