optic nerve sheath meningioma

Optic Nerve Sheath Meningioma (ONSM): A Rare Benign Tumor

Optic nerve sheath meningiomas (ONSMs) are rare, slow-growing benign tumors that arise from the cells surrounding the optic nerve. These tumors compress the optic nerve, leading to a range of symptoms and complications.

Key Characteristics:

• Rare occurrence: ONSMs account for approximately 1-2% of all meningiomas and 2% of all orbital tumors [5][6].
• Slow growth: The tumors grow slowly but progressively, which can lead to severe visual loss if left untreated [10].
• Critical location: The proximity of the tumor to the optic nerve makes it difficult to treat and can result in significant morbidity [5].

Symptoms and Complications:

• Vision loss: Untreated ONSMs almost always lead to progressive visual decline, color blindness, and finally complete loss of vision [5].
• Facial disfigurement: The tumor's growth can also cause facial disfigurement due to the compression of surrounding tissues [6].

Demographics:

• Age: ONSMs typically present in midlife, with a mean age at presentation ranging from 40.3 to 43.2 years [11][13].
• Gender: The tumors are more common in middle-aged females, with approximately 60-70% of cases occurring in this demographic [4].

Treatment and Management:

• Controversy: Treatment of ONSMs is still considered controversial due to the proximity of the tumor to the optic nerve [10].
• Primary radiotherapy: Primary radiotherapy is often recommended as a first-line treatment, with biopsy being contraindicated due to poorer long-term tumor control [12].

It's essential to note that each case of ONSM is unique and requires individualized management. A comprehensive evaluation by an experienced healthcare professional is necessary for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment planning.

References:

[1] Context result 1 [2] Context result 1 [3] Context result 4 [4] Context result 4 [5] Context result 5 [6] Context result 6 [7] Context result 8 [10] Context result 10 [11] Context result 11 [12] Context result 12

The differential diagnosis for Optic Nerve Sheath Meningiomas (ONSM) includes several entities that can mimic the presentation and imaging findings of ONSM. Some of these conditions are:

• Optic Glioma: A type of brain tumor that arises from the optic nerve, often occurring in children [4]. It is a common differential diagnosis for ONSM, especially in pediatric patients.
• Orbital Pseudotumor: A non-specific term used to describe inflammation of the orbital tissues, which can cause enlargement of the optic nerve and mimic the appearance of an ONSM on imaging studies [3