Cavernous
Hemangioma: Being the most common benign neoplasm of the orbit
in adults, cavernous hemangiomas are seen more often in middle
age females. The lesion can cause a slow progressive proptosis,
induced hyperopia, optic nerve compression, increased IOP, strabismus,
and retinal
striae. Probably the majority of these lesions are never
detected until an imaging study is performed for other reasons.
On CT
scan the tumor is smooth, well circumscribed, and located
within the muscle cone. Ultrasound examination reveals high
amplitude echoes. The hemangiomas may increase in size during
pregnancy. Resection is reserved for cases when the patient
is extremely disabilitated by the lesion. The lesion is encapsulated with large venous-like
vessels. Vessels may show thrombosis and calcification.
Septa between vessels are of various thickness. Back to Orbit