Finding a lump or losing vision in one eye can be terrifying. Eye cancer is rare, but catching it early makes a big difference. This page explains the common types, clear warning signs, how doctors check for it, and the usual treatment choices in straightforward terms.
Different eye cancers cause different problems, but these signs are the ones people usually notice first. If you see any of them, book an eye appointment sooner rather than later:
- A dark spot on the colored part of the eye (iris) or a growing pigmented area on the white of the eye.
- Flashes of light, sudden floaters, or a shadow across your vision.
- Blurred vision, loss of vision in one eye, or a change in how you see colors.
- A bulging eye, pain, or a noticeable lump on or around the eyelid.
For children, a white reflection in photos (instead of the normal red-eye) can be a sign of retinoblastoma and needs urgent attention.
Diagnosis usually starts with a thorough eye exam by an ophthalmologist. They use tools like slit-lamp exams, indirect ophthalmoscopy, and an ultrasound of the eye to look for tumors. Other tests can include:
- Optical coherence tomography (OCT) to check the retina layers.
- Fundus photography to document changes over time.
- MRI or CT scans if the doctor suspects the tumor has spread beyond the eye.
Biopsy (removing a tiny tissue sample) is less common for some eye cancers because it can risk spreading cells, but it's sometimes used depending on the tumor type and location.
Treatment depends on the type of cancer, its size, and whether it has spread. Here are the main options and what to expect:
- Radiation therapy: plaque brachytherapy (a small radioactive disc placed on the eye) and external beam or proton therapy are common. Radiation often controls tumors while saving the eye.
- Surgery: for small tumors doctors may remove just the tumor, but larger or invasive tumors sometimes require removing the eye (enucleation). Losing an eye is hard, but modern prosthetic eyes look natural and many people adapt well.
- Laser or cryotherapy: used for tiny tumors or to treat tumor blood vessels.
- Systemic treatments: chemotherapy, targeted therapy, or immunotherapy are options if cancer has spread or for certain tumor types like metastatic ocular melanoma or advanced retinoblastoma.
Follow-up is frequent after treatment — months at first, then yearly — because recurrences or spread can happen years later. Get a second opinion if you face major surgery; that’s normal and helpful.
If you or a loved one are dealing with a possible eye tumor, keep questions ready for the doctor: what type of tumor is likely, what tests are needed, treatment goals (save vision vs. remove cancer), side effects, and follow-up care. Talking through those points makes decisions easier.
Need quick resources? Ask your eye specialist for patient leaflets, support groups, and contact info for ocular oncologists. Timely action matters — the sooner you get checked, the more options you’ll have.
May, 14 2023
As a blogger, I recently delved into the topic of radiation therapy and its role in eye cancer treatment. I discovered that radiation therapy is an essential and effective method for treating various types of eye cancers, including ocular melanoma and retinoblastoma. The process involves targeting and destroying cancer cells with high-energy rays while preserving the surrounding healthy tissue. There are different types of radiation therapy used for eye cancer, such as plaque brachytherapy, proton beam therapy, and external beam radiation therapy, each with its own unique benefits. Overall, radiation therapy has been crucial in improving the prognosis and quality of life for many eye cancer patients, making it a vital component in the fight against this disease.