Tumors of the optic disc and optic nerve can either be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). There are certain tumors that are classified as atypical (uncertain or unspecified behavior) meaning that some behave in a benign manner, or some behave in a malignant manner. A majority of the optic disc and optic nerve tumors diagnosed via lab studies (biopsy) are benign.

The World Health Organization (WHO) is an authoritative body that compiles, prepares, and publishes histological and molecular classification of tumors, via their Blue Books, based on research inputs from experts worldwide. These reference books chiefly aid in global cancer research, provide gold standards for tumor diagnosis, and help in treating cancer patients.

According to the WHO Classification of Tumors of the Eye (2018), 4th Ed., Vol. 12, benign and malignant tumors of the optic disc and optic nerve are classified in the following manner:

Tumors of the optic disc and optic nerve:

Primary tumors

• Melanocytoma of the optic disc and optic nerve
• Medulloepithelioma of the optic disc and optic nerve
• Astrocytoma and glioblastoma of the optic disc and optic nerve
• Meningioma of the optic nerve

Tumors metastatic to the optic nerve

Additional optic disc and optic nerve tumor articles (on DoveMed) that are not part of WHO Classification of Tumors of the Eye:

Optic Nerve Schwannoma: These are schwannomas that involve the cranial nerve II, which is the optic nerve responsible for transmitting information from the retina to the brain. These tumors are generally observed in adults.

Optic Glioma: It is a brain tumor that occurs in and around the optic nerves. The optic nerve connects the eye with the brain. This tumor type is common and frequent in children with a genetic condition, known as neurofibromatosis (NF).