Background: Orbital tumours are relatively uncommon, and few series of patients with such tumours have been reported from Scandinavia. Here we present the experience of a Norwegian referral centre.
Material and methods: We have retrospectively evaluated the records of 278 patients with orbital tumours hospitalized at the Department of Ophthalmology, Haukeland University Hospital from 1961 to 1999.
Results: In 177 patients, a benign tumour was present, while 96 patients suffered from malignant disease. In five cases, the malignant potential of the tumour could not be assessed. A total of 71 different histological entities were observed. Surgical treatment performed at our department was in 22 patients exenteration, in 87 lateral orbitotomy, in 47 anterior orbitotomy and in 41 biopsy through an anterior approach.
Interpretation: This series illustrates the wide panorama of space-occupying lesions that may be present in the orbit. Since the lesions are rare and management in many cases complex, the treatment should be centralized to an eye department with a defined interest in orbital disease.