Metastatic tumors of the orbit: a retrospective study.

PURPOSE

To present the clinical features and facts on prognosis, therapy and diagnostics of orbital metastases treated in the Orbital Center Kiel.

METHODS

We reviewed the records of 20 patients with orbital metastases (ca. 2% of all orbital patients seen in a 10-year period).

RESULTS

The mean age at first manifestation of orbital symptoms was 64 years. On average, 64 months was the period of time between the onset of the primary disease and orbital manifestation. The sites of the primary tumors were breast (8), choroid (2), prostate (2), gastrointestinal tract (3), lung (2), urinary bladder (1), Schmincke tumor of the throat (1) and unknown origin (1). Eleven patients were female, 9 male. The main primary symptoms consisted of lid swelling (11), red eye (9), diplopia (10), and proptosis (7). Although the majority (16/20) were treated by chemotherapy, radiotherapy or surgery, 19 patients died after a mean survival time of 14.7 months.

CONCLUSION

Orbital metastases remain an unfavorable prognostic factor, but the diagnosis and treatment are still important in order to prevent loss of vision and improve the patient's quality of life. As previous studies have shown, the overall survival rate is still as limited as nearly half a century ago.