Peripheral nerve tumors of the eye

Abstract

Peripheral nerve tumors usually occur in relation to large nerves and of flexor aspects of the limbs. Face, neck, scalp, hands and feet are not often involved (RUSSELL). In Stout's series no tumors are seen in the feet, urogenital organs, lungs, esophagus and rectum (WILLIS). Eye involvement in neurofibromatosis is more common than the clinical examination indicates but neurinomas of the eye are uncommon (REESE). Every part of the eye, including lids and adnexae may be involved in cases of generalised neurofibromatosis. The neurofibromas have distinctive clinical features whereas the neurinomas have no distinctive clinical features. While reviewing a large number of peripheral nerve tumors we came across five peripheral nerve tumors of the eye and because of their rarity, they are presented below along with a detailed case report of a neurinoma of the orbit.