Paraocular lymphoid tumors.

Forty-two patients with paraocular lymphoid tumors were treated with radiation. Histologically, 20 tumors were classified as benign lymphoid hyperplasia (BLH), ten as indeterminate histology (IH), and 12 as malignant lymphoma (ML). Of the patients with an initial diagnosis of BLH or IH, disseminated ML developed in 23%. Cytologic and histologic studies were not helpful in predicting the malignant potential in some of these tumors. The possibility that BLH represents a premalignant condition with subsequent transformation into ML is discussed. A total of 45 eyes were irradiated in these 42 patients. Initial local control rate was 93%, with ultimate control rate of 100% after retreatment with radiation or surgery. Radiation therapy is the treatment of choice for these tumors; local control rates are high, and morbidity is minimal with proper radiation treatment planning.