Maria Cristina Geraldo
National Cancer Institute, Brazil
Title: Analysis of results of treatment of primary malignant tumors of the orbit
Biography
Biography: Maria Cristina Geraldo
Abstract
Primary malignant tumors of the orbit are rare and comprised of many pathologic types. They have broad demographic distribution, but are more common among the elderly. In children, rhabdomyosarcoma, embryonal subtype, is the most frequent tumor involving the orbit. Fortunately the embryonal form is associated with more favorable biological behavior and prognosis. In adults, one of the most common sites of origin is the lacrimal gland and the most common pathology is cystic adenoid carcinoma. The treatment for these tumors the challenging objectives of disease control and vision preservation when possible. Loss of vision in the affected orbit and the cosmetic implications of radical surgery can have significant impact on function and quality of life among patients afflicted with these tumors.
Methods: Fifty-one patients were treated for primary orbital malignancies between January 2000 and December 2010 at the Department of Head and Neck Surgery of the National Cancer Institute and the Department of Head and Neck Surgery and Otorhinolaryngology of AC Camargo Cancer Center, retrospective data was obtained from medical record review.
Results: Lymphoma (36%) was the most frequent histological type, followed by carcinoma (32%) and sarcoma (20%). Nine patients (39%) presented with stage I tumors; 4 cases (17%) in stage II and 3 (13%) in stage III and 7 cases (30%) in stage IV. Twenty two patients had surgical treatment, among them, 40% had orbital exenteration. Thirty two patients received radiation therapy and 20 patients had chemotherapy. Bone invasion was detected in 24% of the cases and invasion of the optic nerve, in 13%. Overall 5-year survival was 79% and disease-free survival at 5 years was 51%.
Conclusion: Disease control is favorable in the treatment of primary orbital malignancies even in cases of advanced tumors.