title: Regression of a paraganglioma tumor of the orbit.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To describe a clinical case of an orbital paraganglioma that displayed regression after biopsy alone.
  
  
  METHODS
  Case report.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A 75-year-old female was examined for a right orbital tumor suspected to be metastatic breast carcinoma. An orbital biopsy was performed with significant hemorrhage encountered requiring extensive cautery. There was apparent clinical regression of the tumor with no signs of proptosis or eye movement restriction two years after this patient's biopsy. Histology was consistent with paraganglioma (glomus tumor).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Although we cannot rule out spontaneous regression of this unique tumor, we postulate that tissue necrosis caused by the use of cautery induced regression. Unless encapsulated and easily accessible, we suggest that the best management of this rare tumor is that of observation after being found negative for malignancy by biopsy given their propensity for slow progression and in rare cases, regression.
authors.affiliation: Department of Ophthalmology and.
authors.forename: Robert H
authors.initials: RH
authors.lastname: Hill
authors.forename: Sean M
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Platt
authors.forename: Thomas A
authors.initials: TA
authors.lastname: Bersani
authors.forename: Ann
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Barker-Griffith
authors.forename: Kenneth B
authors.initials: KB
authors.lastname: Strumpf
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor / Q000032:analysis; D001706:Biopsy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D009365:Neoplasm Regression, Spontaneous; D009918:Orbital Neoplasms / Q000737:chemistry / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology*; D010235:Paraganglioma / Q000737:chemistry / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology*; D014792:Visual Acuity
chemical_list: D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor
keywords: Glomus tumor; orbit; paraganglioma