Orbital metastases from prostate carcinoma

Abstract

Prostate carcinoma was previously thought to be a rare source of orbital metastasis. We studied a clinical series of eight cases of orbital metastases from prostate carcinoma. Presenting symptoms included proptosis, pain, diplopia, eyelid swelling, decreased vision, ptosis, and red eye. The mean age at onset was 72.1 years. In three of the eight patients, evaluation of the orbital masses led to the diagnosis of prostate carcinoma. Of the six patients in whom computed tomography was performed, four had predominantly osteoblastic lesions. In our experience, the rapid development of an osteoblastic orbital lesion in an elderly man is highly suggestive of metastatic prostate carcinoma.