Orbital space requirements. Practical aspects for imaging

During the period 1992-1998,we diagnosed orbital tumors in 23 cases at the MLU Halle-Wittenberg. In the intraconal compartment we mostly saw cavernous hemangiomas and neurogenic tumors. Lymphomas and a primary meningioma were located in the extraconal space. Beneath the periosteum, bony processes, t u mo rs of the sin uses, dermoid and epidermoid-cysts normally occur, but w e only observed metastases and hematomas. Furthermore, tumors of the lacrim al gland and inflammatory lesions were diagnosed. Orbital tumors are uncomm on lesions, whose location in the orbit gives an important hint to differen tial diagnosis, because a high percentage of various pathologies is located in special compartments of the orbit. According to our results, the MRI-sc an is usually sufficient for differentiation and for preoperative planning in order to reduce the Xray dose of the lens. CT-scans with contrast are so metimes necessary for examining bone destroying processes and for planning the surgical approach to removing the tumor. X-rays of the skull widely los t their importance in the exact diagnostic of orbital tumors. B-scan ultras onic imaging is reserved for screening and follow-up examination. Despite t he use of MRI and CT scanning, the histological examination remains necessa ry.