Lymphoma:
(1) Painless,
progressive proptosis accompanied by extraocular muscle disturbances
are the usual presenting signs of patients with orbital lymphoma.
They may also have lacrimal gland enlargement as well as visual
changes. Clinically, the lesion has a salmon-color if seen under
the conjunctiva. Typically if the presenting mass is localized
conjunctiva and anterior orbit, palpation reveals a rubbery, smooth
lesion which is not mobile. Imaging studies depict a putty-like molding
of the mass to pre-existing orbital structures without bony changes.
Orbitotomy with incisional biopsy is recommended. Biopsy shows monotonous sheets of small
blue cells. Systemic evaluation for other sites after disease
is necessary. The majority of the lymphomas are monoclonal B cell
proliferation. If the lymphoma is found to be isolated to the
orbit, irradiation is needed to eradicate the tumor with excellent
results. Patients should be followed periodically since systemic
lymphoma can present years after having isolated orbital disease.
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