Optic Pathway Tumor
Also called: Optic nerve tumors, chiasmatic glioma and optic gliomas
What is an optic pathway tumor?
An optic pathway tumor is one that is found along the visual system. This system sends signals from the eye to the brain so a person can “see” images. The visual system includes the optic nerve, the optic tract, the chiasm and the optic radiation.
- Optic pathway tumors squeeze the visual system. This causes pressure, weakens the imaging signals sent to the brain, and damages vision.
- The extent of vision damage depends on two factors:
- Location of the tumor
- How early it is diagnosed—these tumors may grow rapidly or slowly
- The sooner the pressure is removed, the easier it is for vision to be restored—often completely.
How common are optic pathway tumors?
- More than 75% of these tumors occur during the first 10 years of life.
- Most are diagnosed in children age 5 or younger.
- Optic pathway tumors account for up to 5% of primary central nervous system tumors in children.
- Patients with a disease called neurofibromatosis 1 (NF-1) are at higher risk. Up to 20% of these children may also develop optic pathway tumors.
What are the symptoms of an optic pathway tumor?
Symptoms of an optic pathway tumor depend on the tumor’s location and the child’s age.
- Young children (especially those younger than 3) usually do not complain of vision loss until it is clear they need their eyes examined. By that time, the following symptoms may also be present:
- Slower-than-normal growth
- Tilting and bobbing of the head
- Rapid eye movements (usually side to side)
- Bulging eye
- Because the optic and endocrine systems are close to each other, optic pathway tumors may also affect areas controlled by the endocrine system, including the following:
- Hormone production
- Appetite
- Sleep
- Balance
How is an optic pathway tumor treated?
The treatment selected depends on the patient’s:
- Age,
- Extent of vision loss,
- Tumor location, and
- The presence of neurofibromatosis.
Chemotherapy, radiation, targeted therapy and surgery can all be used to treat optic pathway tumors. However, these tumors are complex. Many factors affect which treatment should be used. The St. Jude clinical team closely examines each case and creates a tailored approach for each patient depending on all the factors involved.
- Chemotherapy (“chemo”) — uses powerful medicines to kill cancer cells or stop them from growing (dividing) and making more cancer cells:
- Chemo may be injected into the bloodstream, so that it can travel throughout the body.
- Some chemo may be given by mouth.
- Combination therapy uses more than one type of chemo at a time.
- Radiation therapy — uses high-energy X-rays or other types of radiation to kill cancer cells or stop them from growing:IN SPECIAL CASES
- External radiation uses machines outside the body to deliver the X-ray dose.
- Surgery — is used to remove tumor tissue. In general, optic pathway tumors can be treated without first testing a sample of the tumor to confirm what it is. These are the goals of surgery:
- Complete removal of the tumor. Because of the location of these tumors, this is NOT possible for many children.
- When the physical symptoms and radiology reports are not typical, surgery is needed to confirm exactly what these tumors are.
- To preserve vision
- Minimal or no eye damage
What are the survival rates for optic pathway tumors?
Most children with optic pathway tumors survive for a long time after diagnosis. Even so, these children may have serious visual, neurologic and other health problems. It is important that children with optic pathway tumors are treated in a center that focuses on quality of life as well as cures.
