Childhood Orbito-Ocular Tumours In Benin City, Nigeria - A 25 year Histopathological Review

Context: The eye is among the common sites for tumours during the childhood period with the potential risk of visual loss in these children.Aims: The aim of this study was to determine the various histopathological patterns of these tumours.Methods: The study was a 25 year histopathological review of orbito-ocular tumours in children aged 0-14years as seen at University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Benin City, Nigeria.Results: A total of 526 tumours were seen in this age group during the study period. Out of this, 46 (8.7%) were sited in the eye and orbit. Thirty six (78.3%) were malignant while 10 (11.7%) were benign. The most common malignant tumour was retinoblastoma followed by lymphoma while the most common benign tumours were haemangioma, neurofibroma, nevus and papilloma. The tumours were most commonly located at intra-ocular sites (76.1%) followed by conjunctiva (13%) and eyelid (8.7%).Conclusion: Retinoblastoma is the most common childhood orbito-ocular tumour in this environment.Keywords: orbito-ocular, tumour, retinoblastom