Primary optic nerve sheath meningiomas. Report of nine cases.

Between 1979 and 1987 the authors treated nine cases of primary optic nerve sheath meningioma. The definitive treatment for these lesions is surgical resection, although no single best plan for optimal management has been determined. The data indicate that only small anterior tumors may be removed with preservation of useful vision. With posterior circumferential tumors, there have been no cases of tumor removal with preservation of vision. A management strategy directed toward preservation of vision is discussed.