Carcinoid tumour of the orbital muscles: A rare occurrence.

Abstract

Malignant carcinoid tumours are rare and usually follow an indolent course. Metastases from these tumours are uncommon, and usually involve bone, liver and lymph nodes. Orbital metastases have rarely been described, and generally involve the choroid rather than orbital structures. Our knowledge of the response of these tumours to radiotherapy is extremely limited. Two cases of orbital metastases treated with radiotherapy are presented here and the literature on the efficacy of palliative radiotherapy for this tumour is reviewed. Recommendations are made regarding an effective radiotherapy regimen for treating orbital metastases from malignant carcinoid tumours.