A case of intraorbital malignant lymphoma biopsied using an endoscopic transnasal approach

BACKGROUND: While most orbital tumors are primary, some are secondary, including extension or invasion from adjacent sites. The diagnosis varies widely, and the treatment strategy depends on the pathological diagnosis. Transcranial and transorbital surgical approaches are typically used. Recently, a transnasal endoscopic approach has emerged as a viable option. We report a case of an intraorbital tumor treated with endoscopic transnasal biopsy and compare the results with those of other surgical approaches. CASE DESCRIPTION: A 74-year-old woman visited a nearby hospital due to a right eye protrusion and decreased visual acuity. An intraorbital tumor was detected and the patient was referred to our hospital. Head computed tomography revealed a mass along the posterior wall of the right orbital apex. Contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging showed a 37-mm lesion with a uniform contrast effect and no intracranial extension. Intraorbital lymphoma was considered a differential diagnosis, and a biopsy was performed using an endoscopic transnasal approach. The pathological diagnosis was B-cell lymphoma, and chemotherapy was administered. CONCLUSION: The endoscopic transnasal approach for intraorbital tumors is less invasive, highly cosmetic, and useful, especially for medial and inferior orbital lesions.