Abstract: Objective To analyze the clinical characteristics, pathological classification, surgical approaches and therapeutic effect of orbital tumors in elderly patients. Methods Data of 151 cases of surgical treatment of orbital tumors in patients aged ≥ 60 years at Qilu Hospital during Jan. to Mar. 2014 were retrospectively reviewed. Results The clinical features included proptosis, restricted eye movements, impaired vision and so on. Imaging tests could help to identify the location and size of tumors, and select surgical methods. The surgical approaches included anterior orbitotomy in 97 cases, lateral orbitotomy in 39 cases, medial orbitotomy in 10 cases, and exenteration in 5 cases. Of all tumors, 103 (68.21%) were benign and 48 (31.79%) were malignant. Among the 103 benign cases, the top 3 were cavernous hemangioma, lacrimal gland pleomorphic adenomas, and idiopathic orbital inflammation. Among the 48 malignant cases, the top 3 were malignant lymphoma, adenoid cystic carcinoma and pleomorphic adenocarcinoma. Conclusion The elderly should take radiological examinations once proptosis appears. Orbital surgery is the preferred way of treatment, which should take into consideration the location and size of tumors and tolerance of patients. Malignant lymphoma is the most common malignant orbital tumor in the elderly.

Key words: Orbital tumor, Elderly, Orbital surgery, Pathology