Faculty Collaboration Database

Late-onset chemosis in patients with head or neck tumors. Ophthalmic Plast Reconstr Surg 2004 Nov;20(6):436-41

Date

12/16/2004

Pubmed ID

15599243

DOI

10.1097/01.iop.0000150140.79325.3e

Scopus ID

2-s2.0-10044255576 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site)   3 Citations

Abstract

PURPOSE: To describe a series of patients with chemosis and a history of head or neck tumor, and to propose possible mechanisms for the findings.

METHODS: Retrospective, consecutive case series (1993-2001), with review of: site and histopathologic type of the primary tumor; dates and details of tumor treatment; approximate date of chemosis onset; ocular findings and results of orbital, head, and neck imaging upon referral to the authors; and follow-up outcome.

RESULTS: Three male and 3 female patients ranged from 35-68 years of age. Primary tumors were adenoid cystic carcinomas of minor salivary glands of the buccal sulcus (1) and the anterior palate (1), squamous cell carcinomas of the posterior hard palate (1) and the nasopharynx (1), and pleomorphic adenomas of the parotid gland (2). Tumor treatment involved surgery alone (2), surgery and radiation (3), or radiation alone (1). Exposure of regional lymphatics ranged from 50-68 Gy; in 2 cases, orbital exposure was 58-60 Gy. Intervals from treatment to chemosis onset ranged from 5-59 months (mean, 25 months). Imaging showed no orbital mass, recurrence at the primary site, or nodal enlargement in any case. Chemosis remained relatively stable, and no tumor recurrence was noted in additional follow-up of 12-132 months (median, between 26 and 33 months).

CONCLUSIONS: Patients with chemosis and a history of head or neck tumor should be evaluated for tumor recurrence at the primary site, in regional nodes, and in the orbital apex. However, the finding may be a delayed sequela of surgery and/or radiation.

Author List

Harris GJ, Woo KI, Schultz CJ, Tayani R, Cancel EM

Authors

Gerald J. Harris MD Professor in the Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences department at Medical College of Wisconsin
Christopher J. Schultz MD Chair, Professor in the Radiation Oncology department at Medical College of Wisconsin

MESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold

Adult
Aged
Conjunctival Diseases
Edema
Female
Head and Neck Neoplasms
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Neoplasm Recurrence, Local
Otorhinolaryngologic Surgical Procedures
Retrospective Studies
Time Factors
Treatment Outcome