Orbital leiomyoma

Orbital leiomyoma is a very rare, non-cancerous (benign) tumor that grows in the orbit — the bony socket that holds your eye. It develops from smooth muscle cells, which are the type of muscle you cannot control voluntarily. These tumors grow slowly and are not cancerous, but because the eye socket is a small, enclosed space, even a slow-growing tumor can cause noticeable problems over time. The most common sign is a gradual bulging or forward displacement of the eyeball, called proptosis or exophthalmos. People may also notice double vision, blurred vision, or a feeling of pressure or pain around the eye. In some cases, a lump can be felt near the eye. Because the symptoms develop slowly, many people live with them for months or years before getting a diagnosis. Treatment usually involves surgery to remove the tumor. When the tumor is fully removed, the outlook is generally very good, and symptoms often improve significantly. Orbital leiomyoma is sometimes also called a smooth muscle tumor of the orbit. It is so rare that most doctors will never see a case in their career, which can make getting a correct diagnosis challenging.

Bring these to your next appointment

• Q1.Has the tumor been completely removed, and what are the chances it could come back?,What follow-up tests or imaging will I need, and how often?,Are there any risks to my vision from the surgery or from the tumor itself?,What symptoms should prompt me to seek emergency care?,Is there any reason to think this tumor could be related to a genetic condition or could affect other family members?,What is the expected recovery time after surgery, and are there any activity restrictions?,Should I see any other specialists as part of my ongoing care?

Common questions about Orbital leiomyoma