[Clinical aspects, diagnosis and therapy of space-occupying tumors of the orbit].

In the presence of obvious, diffuse tissue proliferation in the retrobulbar space coupled with pain, increased erythrocyte sedimentation rate and a good response to corticosteroid administration, it is safe to assume, in consultation with an ophthalmologist and without doing a biopsy, that the lesion is a pseudotumour. For all other proliferative processes in the orbit and around the medial and inferior rectus muscles histological verification is indicated. The surgical approach is dictated by the site of the tumour in relation to the optic bulb and nerve. Computer tomography does not provide any indication as to the nature of a retrobulbar lesion. A specific neoplasm with destruction of the bone requires immediate diagnostic verification by biopsy via an orbitotomy.