treatment

Last reviewed 01/2018

Benign tumours should be excised if loss of vision is not a risk, otherwise, treat conservatively.

Malignant tumours should be biopsied and treated by radiotherapy. Localised lesions may be resected, for example, carcinoma of the lacrimal gland.

Chemotherapy may be of benefit in certain situations eg. in treating lymphoma.

Surgical approaches:

  • ethmoidal - for tumours lying anterior and medial to the optic nerve
  • lateral - for tumours lying superior, inferior or lateral to the optic nerve
  • frontal-transcranial - for tumours lying posterior and medial to the optic nerve and for those with intracranial extension