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Although cancer of the eye and surrounding structures is not common, it should be well taken note of.
Any part of the eye can be affected by cancer – the eyelids, conjunctiva (transparent membrane that covers the white part of the eye), choroid (inner blood vessel layer), retina (inner nerve layer) and the optic nerve.
Cancers can either originate in the eye itself or spread to the eye from other body parts.
Basal cell carcinoma is a common tumour of the eyelid that presents as a small, painless lump on the lid margin.
It mostly occurs in elderly patients following years of sun exposure.
Squamous cell- and Merkel cell carcinoma are less common, but more serious eyelid tumours. Squamous cell carcinoma of the conjunctiva is seen in the elderly and immunosuppressed patients.
It can easily be confused for a pterygium that looks like a small growth growing into the coloured part of the eye.
Cancer of the choroid is not common; choroidal melanoma is a serious type of cancer that can present with light flashes and floaters. It is mostly seen in the elderly.
The most common cancer that affects the retina is retinoblastoma. It is found almost exclusively in babies and very young children. The cause is either genetic or sporadic and it can present with either a squint eye or a painful, red eye.
When taking a photo of someone, the pupils often appear red in the photo. This is normal and is due to light being reflected by the choroid (red blood vessel layer) in the back of the eye. When one pupil appears red and the other white or yellow, it could indicate the presence of retinoblastoma in a baby or young child.
Lymphoma is an uncommon cancer that can originate in the eye itself and present with floaters or loss of vision.
Cancer of the breasts, lungs, prostate, colon, kidneys and skin (melanoma) can spread to the eye and orbit, albeit quite uncommon.
Tumours of the eyelids are usually removed surgically, and the success rate is very high in most cases.
When tumours appear on the inside of the eye, treatment is often more complicated and difficult.
Treatment options include radiation of the tumour from outside the eye, laser treatment and chemotherapy.
Cancer of the eye and surrounding structures can present in a wide variety of ways.
Symptoms are often misleading and can be mistaken for a less serious problem.
Should you have any concern about eye symptoms you may be experiencing, rather contact an eye specialist for a complete eye examination.
