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Cancer metastatic to the orbit: the 2000 Robert M. Curts Lecture
J A Shields1, C L Shields, H K Brotman
1Oncology Service, Wills Eye Hospital, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19107, USA.
Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
|October 20, 2001
Summary
Orbital metastasis most commonly originates from breast, prostate, and lung cancers. Many patients present with no prior cancer history, and the overall prognosis after orbital diagnosis is poor.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Oncology
- Medical Research
Background:
- Orbital metastasis represents a significant clinical challenge.
- Understanding the demographics and clinical features is crucial for diagnosis and management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To detail the demographic and clinical characteristics of patients with orbital metastasis.
- To identify common primary tumor sites and presenting symptoms.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective chart review of 100 consecutive patients.
- Comprehensive literature review on orbital metastasis.
Main Results:
- Breast (53%), prostate (12%), and lung (8%) cancers were the most frequent primary sites.
- Common symptoms included limited ocular motility (54%) and proptosis (50%).
- In 19% of cases, there was no prior cancer history; in 10%, the primary site remained undetected.
Conclusions:
- Breast, prostate, and lung cancers are the leading causes of orbital metastasis.
- Ophthalmic presentation can be the first sign of malignancy in a significant proportion of patients.
- The prognosis for patients with orbital metastasis is generally poor, with a high mortality rate.
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