A study of tumours giving rise to unilateral proptosis

Study of distribution, clinical features, radiological features, histopathological aspects, management and outcomes of tumours giving rise to unilateral proptosis. This is a prospective study including 40 patients with benign and malignant tumours of orbital, paraorbital and other sites giving rise to unilateral proptosis. Final diagnosis was made following detailed radiological and histopathological examination. Then, treatment modality was decided, which included surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy or required combination. Proptosis was measured by simple/plastic ruler exophthalmometry method. The maximum number of cases 8(20%) were in age group 31-40 years. The youngest patient was 4 year old and the oldest was 80 years. M:F ratio was 1.85:1. Malignant tumours were 32(80%) and benign tumours were 8(20%). 12 cases were having 3 mm proptosis (minimum) and one case having 18 mm (maximum). Only 4(10%) orbital tumours were responsible for unilateral proptosis. Paraorbital tumours 34(85%) was the major cause for unilateral proptosis and 2(5%) were from distant sites. Surgery was the mainstay of treatment 14(35%), followed by combined (surgery + radiotherapy) 5(12.5%), chemotherapy 4(10%), There was 4(10%) mortality, 16(40%) improved 3(7.5%) had same status and 17(42.5%) deteriorated. Thus nasal obstruction is the commonest ENT presenting complains in these patients. The major cause of unilateral proptosis was found to be paraorbital tumours (34%). Thus, a case of proptosis should never be ignored but a thorough ENT and ophthalmic examination is necessary. As malignancy is one of the major cause of unilateral proptosis catching and treating them early will reduce mortality.