Case Report: Primary Orbital Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the orbit is almost uniformly the result of local invasion from a cutaneous primary, extension by perineural invasion, or the result of metastasis. This is owed to the lack of native squamous epithelium in the orbit. After review of the literature, to date, only 6 reports of 8 patients with primary orbital SCC exist. Of those cases, only 2 reported non-apical orbital SCC. There are 2 reports of orbital SCC after retina surgery with proposed transplanted conjunctival epithelium and subsequent malignant transformation of a conjunctival cyst. The initial signs and symptoms can be vague and lead to delay in diagnosis. We present a case of primary orbital SCC and discuss the workup, imaging, and multidisciplinary management of this rare condition.