Classification and Incidence of Space-Occupying Lesions of the Orbit

Six hundred forty-five consecutive biopsies of orbital lesions performed at a major ophthalmic hospital during a 20-year period were used to develop a comprehensive classification of orbital tumors and pseudotumors, excluding thyroid orbitopathy. Although this series has certain bias, it probably closely parallels the incidence of orbital lesions that would prompt a biopsy in an ophthalmic practice. It is hoped that this review, combined with a familiarity of the signs and symptoms of various orbital lesions, will aid the clinician in the diagnostic evaluation of the patient with an orbital mass.