A 6-year-old child presents with rapidly progressive unilateral proptosis developing over 2 weeks, with a firm, non-tender superior orbital mass. The most likely diagnosis is:
- A Orbital rhabdomyosarcoma ✓
- B Orbital dermoid cyst
- C Capillary hemangioma
- D Orbital cellulitis
Correct answer: A. Orbital rhabdomyosarcoma
Explanation
Orbital rhabdomyosarcoma is the most common primary malignant orbital tumor in children, presenting with rapid-onset progressive proptosis over weeks. Dermoid cysts are slow-growing and congenital. Capillary hemangioma typically appears in infancy and grows slowly. Orbital cellulitis presents acutely with pain, erythema, and systemic features, not over 2 weeks.
Reference: Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease, 10th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.