Eye Cancer

Eye cancer starts in the eye or the surrounding tissues. There are several types of eye cancers:

Ocular melanoma occurs when cancer forms in the eye cells that contain pigment, such as the iris. It is more common among adults.
Retinoblastoma is a rare type of eye cancer that mainly occurs in children under the age of five.
Lymphoma is a cancer that begins in the cells of the immune system.
Carcinoma is a cancer that begins in the tissue that covers the structures of the eye, such as the eyelid.
Metastatic cancer is a cancer that spreads to the eye from another organ.

Causes of eye cancer

The exact cause of eye cancer is unknown. But just like other types of melanoma, high levels of exposure to sunlight and/or UV radiation may increase the risk of developing ocular melanoma. People with fair or sensitive eyes are most at risk, but a direct link between UV ray exposure and the development of ocular melanoma has not yet been established.

People with numerous atypical moles (abnormal in size and shape) might also be more at risk of developing ocular melanoma. Advanced age can also increase the risk of developing tumors in the eyes.

Symptoms of eye cancer

Blurred vision
A dark spot on the iris
Pain in the eye
Change in the shape of the pupil

Often there aren’t any pressing symptoms, but an ophthalmologist may identify abnormalities before you do so routine eye check-ups are recommended.

Diagnosis of eye cancer

Eye exam where the pupil is dilated (enlarged) with medicated eye drops, allowing the doctor to look through the lens and pupil to the retina
Ophthalmoscopy to examine the inside of the eye
Ultrasound exam of the eye
PET/CT scan
Biopsy
MRI scan

Treatment of eye cancer at KHCC

Several factors depend on the type of treatment patients can receive at KHCC, such as the size, location and spread of the tumor, and the patient’s age and general health. Physicians at KHCC usually resort to surgery and radiotherapy, along with plaque therapy (when radioactive plaque is applied to the tumor) in order to get rid of the tumor while preserving as much of the eye and vision as possible.