Eye Cancer

Any single part of the eye can develop cancer, but there are two types of cancer that can be found in the eye: primary intraocular cancers and secondary intraocular cancers. To better understand these cancers, a general understanding of the structure of the eye would be beneficial. You may read about the various parts of the eye on other pages on this website including the cornea, retina, pupil, lens and the iris.

Types of Eye Cancer

Primary intraocular cancers start inside the eyeball; in adults, melanoma is the most common type of primary intraocular cancer while primary intraocular lymphoma is the second most common type. In children, a cancer known as “retinoblastoma” is the most common primary intraocular cancer. Retinoblastoma arises from cells in the retina. Medulloepithelioma is the second most common, though it’s still very rare.
Secondary intraocular cancers are cancers that have spread to the eye from other parts of the body, so they are not truly “eye cancers,” and they are more common than primary intraocular cancers.

Another type of eye cancer is melanoma of the eye (intraocular melanoma) and is the most common type of cancer that develops in adults. Unlike melanomas of the skin, melanoma of the eye is very rare.

Intraocular melanomas are usually made up of two types of cells: spindle cells and epithelioid cells. Spindle cells are long and thin while epithelioid cells are round (but with some straight edges). Most intraocular tumors are made up of both of these types of cells. Spindle cells are not quite as dangerous as epithelioid cells because the latter are more likely to metastasize to other sites in the body. When you are diagnosed with intraocular melanoma, your doctor will tell you which type of cells (spindle or epithelioid) you have.

Primary intraocular lymphoma is an eye cancer that starts in the immune system in cells called “lymphocytes.” This type of cancer starts in the lymph nodes but has been known to also start in the stomach, lungs, and eyes (though very rarely).

The two main types of lymphoma are Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Primary intraocular lymphoma is always a non-Hodgkin type. Most people who are diagnosed with primary intraocular lymphoma are elderly or have immune disorders such as AIDS.

Eye Cancer treatment

Once your eye cancer is diagnosed and staged (which stage it’s in must be determined), a cancer care team will discuss treatment options with you. When treatment choices are presented, whether surgery, chemotherapy, laser therapy, or radiation, it is very important to consider your options and get a second opinion. Several factors must be taken into consideration including your general health, emotional well being, stage of the cancer, and whether the treatment will affect your vision or not.

If you would like to be tested for eye cancer or would like to learn more about this very serious eye condition, please contact an experienced eye doctor in your area today.