Hot orbits of dental origin – Case series with review of literature

The cases illustrated uncommon cancers that presented as orbital cellulitis following dental treatments. Recognizing orbital tumors was essential for the patients’ prognosis. The relevance of differential diagnosis in situations involving periorbital swelling is underscored by these unique cases. The patients in Case 1 and Case 2 showed periorbital swelling, proptosis, and ocular pain. Consequently, treatment for orbital cellulitis was initiated given the recent history of dental procedures. Nevertheless, imaging studies and a biopsy were requested for additional investigation due to inadequate therapeutic response. In Case 1, a secondary orbital lymphoma originating from the maxillary sinus is discussed. Thus, the treatment strategy involved adjuvant radiotherapy and chemotherapy. In Case 2, a rare rhabdomyosarcoma is observed in an 18-year-old patient. The patient is still undergoing chemotherapy as part of the therapeutic plan. Therefore, the subsequent assessment changes the initial diagnosis of orbital cellulitis. Case 1 and Case 2 demonstrate the relevance of observing the clinical progress and treatment outcome of patients with periorbital swelling following dental procedures. In this way, this approach can help identify malignancy, preventing severe complications.