A benign isolated schwannoma of the orbit

Schwannomas are benign encapsulated tumors, originating from Schwann cells of the peripheral nerves. Schwannomas accounts for approximately 1% of all orbital tumors. Most schwannomas originate from branches of the oculomotor, trochlear, trigeminal, and abducens nerves and from sympathetic and parasympathetic fibers. The progressive growth may cause compression of the optic nerve with papilledema or optic atrophy. Prompt diagnosis and early treatment are necessary to avoid important ocular consequences. We report a successful surgical treatment of orbital schwannoma in a 75-year-old woman.