What is ocular (eye) cancer?
Ocular cancer, also known as eye cancer, is caused by abnormal cells that spread among the delicate bones, tissue, nerves, muscles, skin, and arteries around the eye. Some tumors can be seen or felt during physical examination. Though diagnostic testing is often required to identify specific types of eye cancer, each type has unique symptoms and requires different types of treatment.
Penn Medicine’s experienced doctors and providers are skilled in treating all types of eye cancer. Our multidisciplinary approach includes input from a team of ophthalmologists, oncologists, neurosurgeons, plastic surgeons, radiologists, and others who work together to pinpoint a diagnosis and create the best treatment plan for you.
Types of ocular cancer
There are three major types of eye cancer: eyelid tumors, orbital tumors, and ocular melanoma.
- Eyelid tumors are abnormal growths on the upper or lower eyelids that may be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). Basal cell carcinoma is the most common type of eyelid cancer, though other types of tumors may occur along the eyelid as well. Benign growths such as simple cysts or styes (chalazia) may also occur. Often, eyelid tumors are symptom-free.
- Orbital tumors are abnormal growths of tissue in the structures that surround the eye, including nerves and blood vessels. They often arise from the orbit, a bony framework that contains the eye, or may metastasize (spread) from elsewhere in the body. There are various types of orbital tumors whose symptoms can vary, though bulging eyes are often present. Orbital tumors may be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous).
- Ocular melanoma, while rare, is the most common type of eye cancer. It usually develops in the eyeball’s middle layer (uvea) though it can develop anywhere in the eye. Because it can lead to vision changes or loss, early diagnosis and treatment often produces the best results.
Signs of eye cancer
Some types of ocular cancer do not present with any symptoms. Other types of eye cancer can present with one or more of these symptoms:
- Bulging eyes
- Changes in iris color
- Vision problems, often in one eye
- Red, painful eyes
- A small defect on the iris or conjunctiva (the membrane lining the eye)
- Discharge or bleeding from the eye
- Loss of eyelashes
- Double vision
- Transient episodes of vision loss
- Erosion of nearby skin
What causes eye cancer?
The causes of ocular cancer are not always known and can depend on the type of cancer. Certain factors can increase your risk of developing it, though having one or more of these risk factors does not mean you will develop eye cancer. Risk factors include:
- Too much exposure to sunlight or artificial sunlight from tanning beds
- Having light-colored eyes (blue or green)
- Being over age 50
- Having light or pale skin
- Inheriting certain skin conditions, such as dysplastic nevus syndrome, which cause abnormal moles
- Having a mole on the surface of the eye
- Abnormal skin pigmentation involving the eyes or eyelids
Ways to diagnose ocular cancer
An accurate diagnosis is key to creating the best treatment plan for tumors of the eye. Your doctor will examine your eyes and conduct a physical exam to assess the growth or appearance of any round or oval lumps, which may be tumors. Imaging tests of the eye and head may be ordered to help your doctor see the tissues behind the eye or in other less visible areas near the eye. These tests can also assess whether a tumor has spread to the brain. If areas on your skin look suspicious, you may also have a skin biopsy.
Eye cancer treatment options
Your doctor may take a watchful waiting approach to see if the condition changes over time or affects surrounding areas of the eye. If an eye tumor requires more aggressive treatment, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or surgery may be recommended. Your doctor will choose the best option for you, depending on the type of cancer, its stage, and your overall health.
Expert eye cancer specialists at Penn Medicine
You want the most experienced team to help you if you have an ocular cancer diagnosis. Penn Medicine offers comprehensive care for all types of eye cancers. Our experts can support you throughout your care journey to give you an accurate diagnosis and provide the most appropriate treatment and ongoing support.
At Penn Medicine, you’ll find:
- Skilled eye specialists: Our ophthalmologists, oncologists, and surgeons have specialized training in intricate procedures to diagnose and treat eye cancer.
- Latest research methods: Many of our ocular specialists are leading researchers in various types of eye cancer. We’re dedicated to developing new ways to treat even the most complex and challenging types of eye cancer.
- Streamlined access to care: Oncology nurse navigators are committed to making sure every patient experience is as comfortable as possible. They help you navigate complex health care situations and serve as a consistent point of contact and a reliable resource for advice and support, helping both you and your family.
- Support services: We understand that getting an eye cancer diagnosis can be challenging, and we offer services to help educate and support you throughout your care journey. This includes programs on nutritional counseling, pain management, stress management, counseling, and home care.
Rated “exceptional” by The National Cancer Institute
Penn Medicine’s Abramson Cancer Center is a world leader in cancer research, patient care, and education. Our status as a national leader in cancer care is reflected in our continuous designation as a Comprehensive Cancer Center by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) since 1973, one of 7 such centers in the United States. The ACC is also a member of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, one of a select few cancer centers in the U.S., that are working to promote equitable access to high-quality, advanced cancer care.