Metastatic tumors to the orbit--management and prognosis

In a retrospective study the records of 34 consecutive cases with tumors metastatic to the orbit were reviewed with special attention to the management and prognosis of these patients. The primary tumor site was the breast in 20 patients, prostate in 5, kidney in 2 and skin in 2. The remaining 5 patients had other primary tumour sites. The symptoms of orbital metastasis preceded the detection of the primary tumor in 8 cases (24%). Twenty patients died after a mean interval of 25 months following the diagnosis of the orbital metastasis. This study gives a summary of the clinical features of these patients. With improved methods of treatment it was possible to obtain a relief of orbital symptoms in 24 patients (71%). Although the life expectancy of these patients remains poor, treatment can result in symptomatic relief and in an improvement in the quality of life, which is the main goal in the management of these patients.