Solitary fibrous tumor in the orbit. Case report and review of the literature

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Solitary fibrous tumor (SFT) is a mesenchymal neoplasm with a benign growth behavior. It was initially described in the pleura and has since been found in extrathoracic locations. In the orbital cavity, SFT is rare. CASE REPORT: We report on a 94-year-old female patient with a large intraorbital SFT on the left side. Tumor growth over 7 years led to a severe exophthalmos with loss of vision. Imaging studies revealed a clearly delineated mass measuring 3x3.3x2.2 cm. Via an anterior orbitotomy approach, we performed an in toto resection. Histological examination, including immunohistochemical detection of CD34 antigen, confirmed the presence of SFT. CONCLUSION: SFT is a rare differential diagnosis of orbital lesions and can be appropriately treated by surgical resection. When left untreated, complications such as loss of vision can occur.