Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsSymptomsWhen to Seek Care
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Symptoms
When to Seek Care
“Eye cancer"is a general term used to describe the types of cancer that can develop on or within the eye. It is very rare. The American Cancer Society estimates that fewer than 4,000 people per year will be diagnosed with eye cancer.This cancer is typically very treatable but must be addressed as soon as possible for the best outcomes.
When people speak of eye cancer, they are usually referring toocular melanoma, the most common type of eye cancer found in adults. However, eye cancer can occur in children in the form of a disease called retinoblastoma.
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In the early stages of eye cancer, there may be few, if any, symptoms. In fact, it is not unusual for an eye doctor to be the first person to notice abnormalities that may signal cancer. The healthcare provider may find eye cancer during a routine eye exam.
Symptoms of eye cancer can vary from person to person based on the type of cancer involved. In adults, the most common symptoms include:
Symptoms of Retinoblastoma
The most common form of pediatric eye cancer isretinoblastoma, a disease that affects around 300 children in the United States every year. While it is mainly diagnosed in children 2 years of age and under, it can affect other age groups, as well.
Symptoms of retinoblastoma include:
It is not uncommon for parents to first notice the condition when they see a photograph of their child. They might notice that one of the child’s eyes reacts normally to the flash (creating the typical red-eye appearance) while the other shows a bright white pupil (leukocoria). In some cases, the eye might look like a cat’s eye or look otherwise anmormal.
When to See a Healthcare Provider
If you are experiencing any changes in your eye and/or vision, contact your primary care provider. You will likely be referred to an eye specialist called anophthalmologist. Diagnosis is fairly simple, typically requiring a visual examination of the eye with anophthalmoscope(a lighted medical instrument).
Meanwhile, if you have even the slightest suspicion your child has the symptoms of retinoblastoma, see your pediatrician immediately. Retinoblastoma is an especially aggressive form of childhood cancer. It is also one of the most treatable; more than 90% of children can be cured with treatment.Early detection and treatment are keys to avoiding any visual impairment or damage to the eye.
If you suspect an adult or child may have symptoms of eye cancer, do not shine a flashlight directly into the eye. Direct light can cause damage (particularly in children with still-developing retinas).Ophthalmoscopes are specifically calibrated to emit the appropriate amount of light for adults and children; flashlights are not.
Summary
Eye cancers are very rare. They can be very serious but are often treatable if caught early. Be sure to see a healthcare provider if you or your child is having any symptoms or changes to your eyes.
A Word From Verywell
Any kind of cancer is scary, but one that can affect your vision is especially concerning. Eye cancer can also occur in children who may not be able to describe or report changes in their vision. Retinoblastoma can have an inherited component, so be sure to tell your healthcare team if anyone in your family has this condition.
Frequently Asked QuestionsCancer can happen when cells from the body grow too quickly and become a disorganized lump called a tumor. The majority of ocular melanomas are new (primary) cancers, but they can also be spread (metastasize) from melanoma of the skin.Retinoblastoma can occur as a spontaneous cancermutation, or it may have an inherited (genetic) component.A tumor can form from any of the cells in or around the eye. You may experience eye bulging, trouble moving the eyeball around, or may even see a lump on the eyelid.Any concerns should quickly be brought to the attention of your healthcare provider.Excessive watery eyes can sometimes be a symptom of eye cancer. Cancer may be in the tear ducts.See your healthcare provider for any concerning symptoms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Cancer can happen when cells from the body grow too quickly and become a disorganized lump called a tumor. The majority of ocular melanomas are new (primary) cancers, but they can also be spread (metastasize) from melanoma of the skin.Retinoblastoma can occur as a spontaneous cancermutation, or it may have an inherited (genetic) component.
A tumor can form from any of the cells in or around the eye. You may experience eye bulging, trouble moving the eyeball around, or may even see a lump on the eyelid.Any concerns should quickly be brought to the attention of your healthcare provider.
Excessive watery eyes can sometimes be a symptom of eye cancer. Cancer may be in the tear ducts.See your healthcare provider for any concerning symptoms.
9 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.American Cancer Society.Key statistics for eye cancer.Jovanovic P, Mihajlovic M, Djordjevic-Jocic J, Vlajkovic S, Cekic S, Stefanovic V.Ocular melanoma: an overview of the current status.Int J Clin Exp Pathol. 2013;6(7):1230–1244.American Cancer Society.Key statistics for retinoblastoma.American Cancer Society.Signs and symptoms of retinoblastoma.Dimaras H, Corson TW, Cobrinik D, et al.Retinoblastoma.Nat Rev Dis Primers. 2015;1:15021. doi:10.1038/nrdp.2015.21Skalet AH, Gombos DS, Gallie BL, et al.Screening children at risk for retinoblastoma.Ophthalmology. 2018;125(3):453-458. doi:10.1016/j.ophtha.2017.09.001Jovanovic P, Mihajlovic M, Djordjevic-Jocic J, Vlajkovic S, Cekic S, Stefanovic V.Ocular melanoma: an overview of the current status.Int J Clin Exp Pathol. 2013;6(7):1230-1244.American Cancer Society.Signs and symptoms of eye cancer.Krishna Y, Coupland SE.Lacrimal Sac Tumors–A Review.Asia Pac J Ophthalmol (Phila). 2017;6(2):173-178. doi:10.22608/APO.201713Additional ReadingAmerican Academy of Ophthalmology. “Eye Cancer.”
9 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.American Cancer Society.Key statistics for eye cancer.Jovanovic P, Mihajlovic M, Djordjevic-Jocic J, Vlajkovic S, Cekic S, Stefanovic V.Ocular melanoma: an overview of the current status.Int J Clin Exp Pathol. 2013;6(7):1230–1244.American Cancer Society.Key statistics for retinoblastoma.American Cancer Society.Signs and symptoms of retinoblastoma.Dimaras H, Corson TW, Cobrinik D, et al.Retinoblastoma.Nat Rev Dis Primers. 2015;1:15021. doi:10.1038/nrdp.2015.21Skalet AH, Gombos DS, Gallie BL, et al.Screening children at risk for retinoblastoma.Ophthalmology. 2018;125(3):453-458. doi:10.1016/j.ophtha.2017.09.001Jovanovic P, Mihajlovic M, Djordjevic-Jocic J, Vlajkovic S, Cekic S, Stefanovic V.Ocular melanoma: an overview of the current status.Int J Clin Exp Pathol. 2013;6(7):1230-1244.American Cancer Society.Signs and symptoms of eye cancer.Krishna Y, Coupland SE.Lacrimal Sac Tumors–A Review.Asia Pac J Ophthalmol (Phila). 2017;6(2):173-178. doi:10.22608/APO.201713Additional ReadingAmerican Academy of Ophthalmology. “Eye Cancer.”
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
American Cancer Society.Key statistics for eye cancer.Jovanovic P, Mihajlovic M, Djordjevic-Jocic J, Vlajkovic S, Cekic S, Stefanovic V.Ocular melanoma: an overview of the current status.Int J Clin Exp Pathol. 2013;6(7):1230–1244.American Cancer Society.Key statistics for retinoblastoma.American Cancer Society.Signs and symptoms of retinoblastoma.Dimaras H, Corson TW, Cobrinik D, et al.Retinoblastoma.Nat Rev Dis Primers. 2015;1:15021. doi:10.1038/nrdp.2015.21Skalet AH, Gombos DS, Gallie BL, et al.Screening children at risk for retinoblastoma.Ophthalmology. 2018;125(3):453-458. doi:10.1016/j.ophtha.2017.09.001Jovanovic P, Mihajlovic M, Djordjevic-Jocic J, Vlajkovic S, Cekic S, Stefanovic V.Ocular melanoma: an overview of the current status.Int J Clin Exp Pathol. 2013;6(7):1230-1244.American Cancer Society.Signs and symptoms of eye cancer.Krishna Y, Coupland SE.Lacrimal Sac Tumors–A Review.Asia Pac J Ophthalmol (Phila). 2017;6(2):173-178. doi:10.22608/APO.201713
American Cancer Society.Key statistics for eye cancer.
Jovanovic P, Mihajlovic M, Djordjevic-Jocic J, Vlajkovic S, Cekic S, Stefanovic V.Ocular melanoma: an overview of the current status.Int J Clin Exp Pathol. 2013;6(7):1230–1244.
American Cancer Society.Key statistics for retinoblastoma.
American Cancer Society.Signs and symptoms of retinoblastoma.
Dimaras H, Corson TW, Cobrinik D, et al.Retinoblastoma.Nat Rev Dis Primers. 2015;1:15021. doi:10.1038/nrdp.2015.21
Skalet AH, Gombos DS, Gallie BL, et al.Screening children at risk for retinoblastoma.Ophthalmology. 2018;125(3):453-458. doi:10.1016/j.ophtha.2017.09.001
Jovanovic P, Mihajlovic M, Djordjevic-Jocic J, Vlajkovic S, Cekic S, Stefanovic V.Ocular melanoma: an overview of the current status.Int J Clin Exp Pathol. 2013;6(7):1230-1244.
American Cancer Society.Signs and symptoms of eye cancer.
Krishna Y, Coupland SE.Lacrimal Sac Tumors–A Review.Asia Pac J Ophthalmol (Phila). 2017;6(2):173-178. doi:10.22608/APO.201713
American Academy of Ophthalmology. “Eye Cancer.”
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