Eye cancers are cancers that start in or spread to the eye or the parts of the body surrounding the eye, such as the tear glands and eyelids. Cancers of the eye are rare and are usually treated successfully.
Types
Primary intraocular cancers develop in the eye itself. Secondary intraocular cancers spread to the eye from elsewhere in the body. Eye melanoma develops on the iris, and usually does not spread. Lymphoma can also spread to and affect the eye.
Incidence
According to the American Cancer Society, 2,350 new cases of eye cancer were diagnosed in 2009. Approximately 10 percent, or 230, of these cases caused death.
Symptoms
Some symptoms of eye cancer include a dark spot on the iris, vision loss in one eye and seeing flashing lights. In many cases, eye cancer does not cause any symptoms.
Risk Factors
Risk factors for cancer of the eye can be genetic. People with blue eyes are more likely to develop this cancer. Certain occupations and working in the sun may be linked to a higher risk of eye cancer, but this has not been proven.
Treatment
Treatment options, depending on the type and stage of eye cancer, include watchful waiting, surgery, laser therapy, radiation and chemotherapy.
