orbital dermoid

[canuckcst]

My 11 month daughter has an orbital dermoid on the outside of the corner of her eye. We have been told we should have it removed by school age. I am worried that waiting that long will lead to complications especially as most information I have found state it should be removed before it ruptures. Just wondering whether we should remove it now or wait.

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

I would suggest you take your MRI/CT and get a second opinion from another occuloplastic surgery. You might even ask your present one for a referral to someone he/she would value their opinion or you can find one near you at www.aao.org

JCH MD

[Chris1051]

Hello, I also was diagnosed with a dermoid cyst in orbital area about 4years ago, was told was small and could leave it alone by orbital surgeon in eyeplastics at time I had no pain or symtoms, recently I started having symptoms of eye movement pain as well as orbital pain I have had another MRI and CT scan, dr's have said no change but the pain is getting worse. The orbital surgeon does not want to remove due to location, and risk? He states is in unusual location and is attatched to bone, he did not see any signs of rupture.  Dr told me he would have to saw through bone and move my chewing muscle over and so does not feel is a good idea to remove.  Any suggestions?   I am taking 800mg Ibuprofen and xibrom drops for eye every day do not want to have to continue to take, I should also add that I did have sinuses checked an no signs of infection.  Thank you

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

It sounds like the dermoid is further from the cornea that I thought. If it were me I would see an oculoplasti surgeon in the next several months.

JCH MD

[canuckcst]

Thanks.

We did see an eye surgeon who told us this information. He gave us the option of seeing an orbital specialist if we wanted. At the time we just needed to found out more information on what he told us. Should we see the orbital specialist or go with the wait until she closer to school age?

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

I would suggest you consult a Eye MD that specializes in corneal disease. The answer will probably vary by the size, shape, location and depth of the dermoid.

JCH MD