Tumors of the optic nerve head

Abstract

A variety of primary and secondary tumors can involve the optic nerve head. Examples of primary optic disc tumors include capillary, cavernous and racemose hemangiomas, astrocytomas, and melanocytomas. Secondary optic disc tumors include metastatic carcinoma, leukemia, and those which invade the nerve head from adjacent structures (choroidal melanoma, retinoblastoma, and meningioma). These tumors may produce a variety of clinical features and are discussed in this review. Included also are histopathologic correlations and guidelines for management of the individual entities.