Cancer: Eye

The most prevalent cancers of the eye are usually metastases from other cancers in the body. The most common sources of these metastases are breast cancer in women and lung cancer in men. (Font, Ferry, Cancer, 1976; 38:1326) (Shields CL, Shields JA, Ophthalmic Plast Recon Surg 1988; 4 (2): 73. As many as 30 percent of women with advanced breast cancer will have metastasis to the eye (Font, Ferry, ibid). About one-fourth of patients with ophthalmic metastasis (eye cancer) have no prior history of malignancy (Freedman MI, Folk JC, Arch Ophthalmol 1987; 107; 1215) Malignancies that appear first in the eye are known as Primary Malignancies. It is much rarer to be diagnosed with a Primary eye malignancy than a metastasized malignancy. Primary and metastatic malignancies of the eyeball are treated with radiation therapy by surgically placing a small, radioactive disc beneath the tumor. In many cases the malignancy is treated with removal of the entire eyeball (enucleation) and contents of the eye socket (adnexa) especially if the malignancy is thought to be malignant melanoma.

Cancers of the eyelids and conjunctiva may also occur. These lesions are usually treated by surgical excision (removal by surgery). Dangerous cancers of the eyelids usually appear as small, non-lobulated, red lesions with irregular edges. They may itch or be tender. It is likely that the lesion has appeared recently or has changed in size and appearance. If you have a lesion that resembles this description, please visit your eye doctor to have the lesion observed. Dangerous cancers of the conjunctiva are rare but may appear as dark brown spots on the white part of the eye that have gradually increased in size over time.

Rhabdomyosarcoma is a vicious, rare tumor that may affect young children, usually under 15 years of age. The key to treatment in Rhabdo is prompt, early diagnosis. Children who are diagnosed with Rhabdo must have a thorough health examination to check for other metastases, especially to the lymph nodes, lungs and bone marrow.

Cancers of the vessels in the eye may occur. Hemangiomas are vascular tumors that are benign developmental growths. Capillary Hemangiomas are the most common type of these tumors and usually occur in children. They appear on the white part of the eye and are often described as a strawberry colored patch. Lymphoid tumors may occur in benign and malignant forms. These tumors appear more frequently in adults than in children. These tumors are usually treated with radiation.

Nerve tumors and meningiomas may also occur and are more frequent in Von Recklinghausen's disease (neurofibromatosis, or Elephant Man's Disease) and are more or less developmental lesions than malignancies.