When you develop a growth within the orbit, the bony housing that is about two inches deep and protects all but the front of the eye, this is what is known as an orbital tumor. These tumors are usually benign, but they can still cause harm to your vision because of its location. Orbital tumors can place pressure on the eyes, affecting your vision. They can also create cosmetic issues, as growths can push the eye forward.

 

Board-certified oculoplastic and facial plastic surgeon, Dr. Malena Amato has over twenty years of surgical experience. In those years, she has perfected the use of minimally invasive endoscopic surgical techniques to treat orbital tumors in a way that provides her patients with a safe and comfortable experience.

 

Read on to learn more about your options for treating orbital tumors with Dr. Amato.

What Causes Orbital Tumors?

Orbital tumors are given their name because of the location they first start to develop. These growth factors can be either primary, meaning the tumor originated in the orbit, or they can metastatic, meaning the tumor came from a type of cancer elsewhere in the body. Lacrimal glands, which release an aqueous layer of tear film, can also cause orbital tumors as well as inflammation or infection. The most dangerous form of skin cancer, melanoma, can also cause orbital tumors once the cancer starts releasing cells into the blood stream.

What Are Some Signs of an Orbital Tumor?

The most common symptom of an orbital tumor is called proptosis, which is where the eye protrudes forward. Here is a complete list of symptoms:

• Bulging of the eyeball
• Flattened eyeball
• Numbness or tingling around the eye
• Inability to move one eye in sync with the other
• Vision changes or loss
• Pain or discomfort around the eye
• Swollen or drooping eyelid

Treatment Options for Orbital Tumors

Fortunately, today there are many treatment options for orbital tumors, depending on the cell type and stage it’s presented at. Here are few different options:

• Stereotactic Radiosurgery Orbital tumors can be treated with stereotactic radio surgery. This is a non-invasive procedure where highly focused beams of radiation are directed at the tumor to destroy it.
• Chemotherapy, a cancer fighting drug that is administered into the bloodstream to seek out and destroy cancer cells, can also be used.
• Surgery is often the best option for removing these tumors as benign tumors don’t typically respond to either radiation or chemotherapy, as the cells are not cancerous. But benign tumors can still grow and begin pressing on areas of the eyes, such as the optic nerve. This can threaten a patient’s vision and create other complications if left untreated. These can be complex surgeries, which often involve Dr. Amato working alongside a neurosurgeon or ENT doctor to target the tumor in the best way possible.

Treat Your Orbital Tumor with a Professional’s Help at Malena M. Amato M.D. in Austin, TX

 

Treating an orbital tumor is an incredibly delicate and complex procedure that involves a great deal of skill, precision, and knowledge surrounding the anatomy of the eye. That’s why it’s paramount that you choose a doctor who specializes in oculoplasty to conduct your treatments.

 

Call (512) 501-1010 or schedule your personalized consultation with Dr. Amato today to learn more about your options for treating an orbital tumor.