Confirm the epicentre before narrowing the differential: globe, optic nerve–sheath complex, intraconal space, extraocular muscle cone, extraconal space, lacrimal gland, orbital apex, or adjacent sinonasal compartment. Describe laterality, margins, T1 and T2 signal, diffusion, enhancement, hemorrhage or calcification, and any flow-related features. Then document mass effect on the globe and optic nerve, proptosis, apical crowding, bony remodeling or destruction, perineural spread, and intracranial or sinonasal extension. CT is particularly useful for bone and calcification; MRI better characterizes the optic pathway, orbital apex, cavernous sinus, and soft-tissue spread.
Compartment and imaging pattern refine—but do not by themselves establish—the diagnosis. Age, tempo, pain, visual symptoms, immune status, and prior malignancy should shape the final differential and urgency.
Clinical use note
This content is educational and is not patient-specific medical advice. Every phrase, template, classification result, and recommendation must be verified and adapted by a physician using the complete examination, clinical context, current guidelines, and institutional protocol.