Orbital Pseudotumor

What is an orbital pseudotumor?

An orbital pseudotumor is a benign mass located in tissue behind the eye. This area is called the orbit and is the part of the skull that holds the eye in place. In some cases, an orbital pseudotumor can occur in the periorbital portion of the eye (the area around the eye). Orbital pseudotumors are very rare.

Orbital pseudotumors can appear similarly to cancerous tumors behind the eye. But they are non-infectious and do not spread to other parts of the body. Even though orbital pseudotumors don’t spread, the inflammation can affect structures that are located near the eye. 

There are several other names for orbital pseudotumor, including:

• Orbital inflammatory pseudotumor (OIP)

• Idiopathic orbital inflammation (IOI)

• Nonspecific orbital inflammation (NSOI)  

The condition can be mild or severe. It mainly occurs in young women. But it can affect anyone at any age.

Mild orbital pseudotumors may resolve on their own. Other cases may require corticosteroid therapy, radiation or surgery.

Orbital pseudotumor is not to be confused with pseudotumor cerebri in which there is fluid pressure on the brain. Even though pseudotumor cerebri can affect the eyes by causing swelling to the optic nerve, it is different.

Symptoms

Symptoms of orbital pseudotumor can range from mild to severe among patients. Noted symptoms of the condition include:

These signs and symptoms are carefully examined by an eye doctor, typically a specialist in eye cancer. If the doctor suspects that an orbital pseudotumor is present, an ultrasound or CT scan and biopsy can be performed for confirmation.

Testing and scans are very important because orbital pseudotumors can be mistaken for other conditions. Similar conditions include orbital cellulitis, thyroid eye disease or a cancerous tumor. Orbital pseudotumor is diagnosed by excluding these other conditions.

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