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Disease&Treatment/Oculoplastics
Common optic nerve tumors in children, optic nerve glioma complete symptoms, treatment, recurrence, surgery
eye_doc 2025. 4. 21. 17:04๐ Optic Nerve Glioma in Children – Most Common Pediatric Optic Tumor Explained
Optic nerve glioma, also known as pilocytic astrocytoma,
is the most common optic nerve tumor in children, accounting for two-thirds of all optic tumors.
โ Key Characteristics
- Occurs primarily in children <10 years old (average ~5 years)
- Arises from astrocytes, the glial cells supporting neurons
- 25–50% associated with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1)
- More frequently affects the optic chiasm than the nerve itself
โ Clinical Symptoms
SymptomNotes
| Gradual visual loss | Primary symptom |
| Proptosis | When optic nerve is involved |
| Visual field defects | Especially in chiasmal involvement |
| Eye movement abnormalities / nystagmus | ~25% |
โ Imaging Findings
- Fusiform mass with clear borders on CT
- Tortuosity and kinking of the optic nerve
- Infractive cysts may be seen
- MRI crucial to assess intracranial spread
โ Treatment Strategy
ScenarioTreatment
| No vision loss or progression | Observation |
| Vision loss + progression | Surgical removal |
| Brain involvement (chiasm/deep) | Radiation therapy |
โ Prognosis
InvolvementMortality Risk
| Orbit-confined | ~5% |
| Chiasm involved | ~20% |
| Brain invasion | ~55% |