Primary eye cancers start in cells of the eye, called the choroid. 85% of intraocular tumors start in the choroid, the back portion of the eye. Secondary eye cancers are less common, and usually start elsewhere in the body. Lung and breast cancers are the most common cancers to spread to the eye. Other types of cancer can spread to the eye, including uveal cancer. Primary eye cancer is more common in children.
Treatment for cancer near the eye can include surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. While most types of eye cancer are curable, some patients fail to recognize the presence of the tumor and let it invade behind the eye. For these patients, a combination of treatment options is necessary. Most patients can benefit from surgery. In rare cases, radiation therapy may be used in combination with surgery. For advanced cancers, radiation therapy can be used in addition to surgery.
A second type of cancer near the eye is known as orbital lymphoma, which begins in the soft tissue surrounding the eye. This cancer is common in young children and infants, and is most commonly diagnosed through a CT scan. When it is caught early, treatment is highly effective and may prevent the removal of the eye. Fortunately, most children and adults with orbital lymphoma are treated successfully with surgery and radiation therapy.
Secondary cancer of the eye must be differentiated from ocular melanoma. A secondary cancer begins in another part of the body, such as the lung, and then spreads to the eye. The most common type of cancer near the eye is uveal melanoma. This cancer begins in cells called melanocytes. Symptoms of ocular melanoma can include redness or changes in vision.
Pathologists are trained to examine lesions that are found inside the eye. There are several ways to examine the lesions inside the eye. Eye practitioners may take digital pictures or monitor the lesion’s appearance over time. Ultrasounds are another way to detect eye tumors. Benign growth inside the eye usually has distinct margins and is flat or slightly raised. However, malignant lesions may have irregular shapes, pigmentary changes, and fluid on top of the lesion.
