How Reconstructive Surgery Can Remove Orbital Tumors

The human eye is without a doubt one of the most important sensory organs. It allows individuals to sense their world in ways like no other, and allows them to move through and explore their world in ways that would be impossible without them.

When our eyes work properly, they certainly make living life much easier. Unfortunately, even these organs are subject to the influence of illness and disease. One such illness that is relatively rare, yet at the same time can present serious difficulties, is known as an orbital tumor .

This article will take a closer look at just what orbital tumors are and will provide you with vital information that should answer all of your relevant questions.

These questions include:

Just what is an orbital tumor?
What are some of the symptoms of orbital tumors?
How are orbital tumors diagnosed?
And finally, what are some common treatments for this potentially damaging illness?

Let’s answer these questions.

What are orbital tumors?

The orbit of the eye is a socket surrounded by bone that contains the eyeball and makes it possible for the optic nerve to get from the eye to the brain. This region also includes muscles that control the eye, as well as blood vessels and nerves.

Tumors are capable of arising from any of these structures, but in many cases kinds of tumors find their origins around the nerves within the orbit.

What are the symptoms associated with this affliction?

The most common symptom that oculoplastic surgeons encounter when diagnosing orbital tumors is called a proptosis, or protrusion of the eye itself.

In addition to this protrusion of the eye many tumors will affect the nerves of the eye, and thus in many cases cause serious visual problems. Tumors that do not grow from nerve structures usually cause problems by compressing the nerves or other structures within the orbit. In addition, tumors can also cause pain or feelings of pressure within the socket.

How are these tumors diagnosed?

As with most tumors in the brain or head, imaging studies provide a great way to get a clear picture of any problem area. Both MRI and CT scans are used as well as biopsy analysis in certain situations.

How to treat orbital tumors

In many cases, orbital tumors are harmless and require no further treatment. In cases where the tumor turns out to be malignant, reconstructive surgery is often recommended, followed by courses of chemotherapy and radiation. In addition to this, stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) may also be an option in some situations.

If you or your loved ones have noticed symptoms such as the ones described above, you are urged to get in touch with a skilled oculoplastic physician as soon as possible.

Individuals living in New York City or Scarsdale would do well to give Dr. Robert M.Schwartz MD a call. Dr. Schwartz has years of experience treating diseases of the eye, and he and his highly skilled team of health care professionals stand ready to treat any and all issues you may have.