Which malignant orbital tumor would you most likely see in an elderly patient?

Which malignant orbital tumor would you most likely see in an elderly patient?

• A. Rhabdomyosarcoma
• B. Neuroblastoma
• C. Cavernous hemangioma
• D. Lymphoma

Answer: (D)

Lymphoma is the tumor most likely to be seen in an elderly patient. In adults, and especially older adults, lymphomas are the most common malignant orbital neoplasms. They are typically B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphomas, often of the MALT (mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue) type. This contrasts with other options: rhabdomyosarcoma is predominantly a pediatric tumor, neuroblastoma is a pediatric malignancy, and cavernous hemangioma is benign rather than malignant. Orbital lymphoma often presents with gradual, painless proptosis or eyelid swelling, and can involve the lacrimal gland or extraocular muscles.

Lymphoma is the tumor most likely to be seen in an elderly patient. In adults, and especially older adults, lymphomas are the most common malignant orbital neoplasms. They are typically B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphomas, often of the MALT (mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue) type. This contrasts with other options: rhabdomyosarcoma is predominantly a pediatric tumor, neuroblastoma is a pediatric malignancy, and cavernous hemangioma is benign rather than malignant. Orbital lymphoma often presents with gradual, painless proptosis or eyelid swelling, and can involve the lacrimal gland or extraocular muscles.