Which of the following is NOT considered a malignant orbital tumor?

• A. Cavernous hemangioma
• B. Rhabdomyosarcoma
• C. Lymphoma
• D. Neuroblastoma

Answer: (A)

The key idea is distinguishing benign from malignant orbital tumors. Cavernous hemangioma is a benign vascular tumor of the orbit that grows slowly, is well circumscribed, and typically causes gradual proptosis without invading surrounding structures or causing systemic symptoms. In contrast, rhabdomyosarcoma is a highly malignant tumor of muscle origin that presents with rapidly enlarging orbital mass and often needs aggressive oncologic treatment. Lymphoma in the orbit is a malignant lymphoid tumor, usually presenting as painless, progressive proptosis, and can occur across age groups. Neuroblastoma is a malignant tumor of neural crest origin that can metastasize to the orbit, producing proptosis and signs of systemic disease. Because cavernous hemangioma does not behave malignantly, it fits as the not-malignant option.