[An analysis on 30 cases of orbital schwannomas]

To study isolated orbital schwannomas confirmed histopathologically in our hospital between 1985 and 1994.

The clinical features, diagnosis and treatment of 30 cases with the tumor were retrospectively studied. The postoperative complications and clinical recurrences after different surgical approaches were compared.

Isolated orbital schwannoma occurs most commonly at the age of 20-40. The sex incidence is similar. Most of the patients complained of proptosis, some of them were accompanied by blurred vision, ocular pain, restricted ocular movement, etc. The tumors were resected surgically. In comparison with pre-operative visual acuity, the postoperative visual acuity was worse in 8 cases (26.7%), similar in 13 cases (43.3%), and improved in 9 cases (30.0%). There were early ptosis of the eyelid in 8 cases (26.7%) and restricted eye movement in 11 cases (36.7%). In 1.5-10 years of follow-up, clinical recurrences in 5 cases, one malignant and four benign, were seen. Most of the ptosis and restricted eye movement recovered after 3-6 months.

According to the location of the tumor, the best surgical approach should be selected.