[Rhabdomyosarcoma of the orbit]

The authors evaluated 9 years' experience with the diagnosis and treatment of embryonic rhabdomyosarcoma of the orbit in children. They evaluated in detail a group of 5 children treated and followed up for 1-9 years. Due to comprehensive surgical, radiation and chemotherapeutic treatment all patients survive and in 80% the visual function is preserved. For differential diagnostic problems, with regard to the variable manifestation of rhabdomyosarcoma which may imitate orbitocellulitis, chalaseon, epibulbar lipodermoid or papilloma, the authors emphasize the importance of rapid primary diagnosis by NMR and biopsy. In the treatment they appreciate greatly a combination of radiotherapy and chemotherapy which is a modern trend and can eradicate the tumour without radical surgery.