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Lateral Molar Approach-Driven Transoral Endoscopic Procedure for Benign Infratemporal Fossa Tumor Resection
Published on: August 15, 2025
Orbital involvement in craniofacial brown tumors
Daniel F A Cecchetti1, Sheila A Paula, Antonio A V Cruz
1Department of Ophthalmology, Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirao Preto, São Paulo, Brazil.
Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
|March 23, 2010
Summary
Brown tumors, a manifestation of hyperparathyroidism, equally affect primary and secondary forms. Craniofacial brown tumors can involve the orbit and may resolve with parathyroid hormone control.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Oncology
- Radiology
Background:
- Brown tumors are benign bone lesions associated with hyperparathyroidism.
- They result from osteoclastic activity and bone resorption.
- Orbital involvement is rare but can occur in craniofacial brown tumors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To detail the clinical and radiologic characteristics of orbital brown tumors.
- To compare the incidence of brown tumors in primary versus secondary hyperparathyroidism.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective study of 115 patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism and 34 with primary hyperparathyroidism.
- Collected data included laboratory results (alkaline phosphatase, calcium, phosphorus, parathyroid hormone), demographics, and imaging findings (bone scan, X-ray, CT).
- Analyzed clinical, biochemical, and radiologic features of all patients.
Main Results:
- 10.8% of secondary hyperparathyroidism patients had brown tumors; 5 had craniofacial lesions, 2 involving the orbit.
- Brown tumors were associated with extremely high parathyroid hormone and alkaline phosphatase levels.
- The incidence of brown tumors did not significantly differ between primary and secondary hyperparathyroidism groups.
Conclusions:
- Brown tumors occur with similar frequency in primary and secondary hyperparathyroidism.
- Craniofacial brown tumors, often linked to maxilla and sinus osteodystrophy, can affect the orbit.
- Surgical excision is not always necessary; spontaneous regression post-hyperparathyroidism control is possible.
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