Primary primitive neuroectodermal tumor of the orbit in an adult: Case report and literature review

Abstract

Background: Primitive neuroectodermal tumors (PNETs) are malignant soft tissue tumors of neuroepithelial origin with an aggressive nature and associated with early disseminated metastasis, resulting in poor prognosis. It occurs more frequently in men of age < 35 years, and in several parts of the body, such as pulmonary tract, nasal cavity, paranasal sinuses, and/or neck. Orbital location is infrequent and has been reported in less than 20 cases in the English literature so far.

Case presentation: In this paper, we report our experience with a 77 year-old man who was referred with a 2.8 cm mass in the superior-anterior quadrant of his left eye for 2 weeks prior to admission, as well as having a 15-kg weight loss during the past six months. The patient developed rapidly progressive visual loss, decreased eye movements, and conjunctivitis within a week. Thus, the patient underwent orbitotomy and the results of histological examination and immunohistochemistry showed an orbital PNET. Metastasis to frontal sinuses and ethmoid sinuses were also discovered. The patient passed away before referral to the oncologist.

Conclusion: This report confirms the highly aggressive nature of PNET and reports its rare occurrence in orbital cavity.