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OCULAR TUMORS

DEFINITION OF OCULAR TUMORS

Ocular tumors are abnormal growths in the eye or surrounding structures, which can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). They may develop in the eyelid, conjunctiva, retina, choroid, or optic nerve, affecting vision and, in some cases, overall health. Early detection is crucial to prevent vision loss or metastasis (spread to other parts of the body).

RISK FACTORS OF OCULAR TUMORS

  • UV Radiation Exposure
  • Light Eye Color & Fair Skin
  • Family History & Genetic Syndromes
  • Childhood Predispositions
  • Radiation Exposure

SYMPTOMS

 

            • Often one of the earliest signs

            • Caused by retinal involvement, optic nerve compression, or tumor blocking the visual axis

            • May be gradual or sudden

                  • A dark spot on the iris, conjunctiva, or inside the eye (choroid/retina)

                  • May change in size, color, or thickness over time

                  • Choroidal melanoma and conjunctival melanoma often start this way

                    • Perception of light streaks or drifting specks in vision

                    • May indicate retinal traction or detachment, common with intraocular tumors

                  • Missing areas in the field of vision (e.g., “blind spots,” tunnel vision)

                  • Caused by:

                    • Tumors compressing the optic nerve

                    • Retinal tumors disrupting nerve signals

                • Eye appears pushed forward or out of alignment

                • Common with orbital tumors or optic nerve gliomas

                • May be accompanied by eye movement restriction

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TREATMENT TYPES

          • Small, benign tumors like choroidal nevi are often monitored for growth or transformation into melanoma.
        • Plaque Brachytherapy – A radioactive implant placed near the tumor (common for uveal melanoma).
        • External Beam Radiation – Targets tumors that are inoperable or have metastasized.
              • Photocoagulation & Transpupillary Thermotherapy (TTT) – Used for small tumors to shrink or destroy abnormal cells.
                    • Local Excision – Removes conjunctival or eyelid tumors.
                    • Enucleation (Eye Removal) – Necessary for large, vision-threatening tumors.
                    • Orbital Exenteration – Performed for extensive tumors involving the eye socket.
  • Used for retinoblastoma and lymphoma to stop tumor growth and prevent spread.
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FAQS

An ocular tumor is an abnormal growth of tissue in or around the eye. These can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous) and may develop in the eyelid, conjunctiva, uvea, retina, optic nerve, or orbit.

    • No. Many ocular tumors are benign, like choroidal nevi, dermoids, or hemangiomas. However, some can be malignant, such as:

      • Uveal melanoma (adults)

      • Retinoblastoma (children)

      • Conjunctival squamous cell carcinoma

      • Orbital lymphoma or metastatic tumors

      • Blurred or distorted vision

      • Floaters or flashing lights

      • Visible spot or growth in/around the eye

      • Eye bulging (proptosis)

      • Pain or pressure in the eye

      • White reflection in the pupil (especially in children)

      • Double vision

      • Loss of part of your visual field

        • People with light-colored eyes and fair skin

        • Individuals with excessive UV exposure

        • Those with a family history of ocular or systemic cancers

        • Children with a mutation in the RB1 gene (retinoblastoma)

        • People with genetic syndromes like neurofibromatosis or BAP1 mutation

        • Those with HIV, HPV, or long-term immunosuppression

        • Comprehensive dilated eye exam

        • Ultrasound of the eye (B-scan)

        • OCT (Optical Coherence Tomography)

        • Fundus photography

        • CT/MRI scan (for orbital or optic nerve tumors)

        • Biopsy in some cases to confirm diagnosis

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