Eye cancer is a disease characterized by the proliferation of abnormal cells in the eye. These cancerous cells can gradually invade and destroy the surrounding eye tissue.
Retinoblastoma is more common in children, while uveal melanoma is more common in adults.
Early diagnosis and early multidisciplinary treatment are essential to optimize the chances of cure. This means raising awareness so that people can recognize the warning signs of this disease and consult an ophthalmologist if they suspect it.
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Types of malignant ocular tumors in adults
Malignant tumors of the eye can affect various structures of the eye. They can affect the eyelids, the orbit or its rings, the conjunctiva, and even the entire eye. Although these tumors are diverse, they share common characteristics and specific therapeutic approaches.
| Types of eye tumors | Characteristics |
| Eyelid tumors | Most eyelid tumors are benign and can be effectively treated with surgery. Additional treatments such as radiation or targeted therapy may be considered in more advanced cases. Although some eyelid tumors can be more aggressive and metastasize, early diagnosis and appropriate treatment usually result in excellent outcomes. |
| Conjunctival tumors | Tumors of the conjunctiva, the transparent membrane that covers the white of the eye, are often treated with a combination of surgery and radiation therapy. Although these tumors can be more difficult to eradicate completely, advances in research in Turkey offer new therapeutic prospects, particularly thanks to immunotherapy and targeted therapy. |
| Orbital tumors | The orbit, the bony cavity that houses the eyeball, can also be the site of tumors. These are often rare and require a specific diagnostic and therapeutic approach. A biopsy is the reference test to confirm the diagnosis and determine the most appropriate treatment. |
| Intraocular tumors | Primary eye tumors (retinoblastoma, uveal melanoma, primary ocular lymphoma) and ocular metastases (from other cancers such as lung, breast, or colon) require specialized care by an ophthalmic oncologist. Diagnosis is based on clinical examination and imaging (ultrasound). |
Causes of ocular tumors
Many factors can contribute to the development of eye cancer. Some of the most important include:
- Age: Intraocular melanoma mainly affects people between the ages of 50 and 70, with a peak incidence around age 55. It is rare in children and the very elderly.
- Ethnic background: Individuals with light-colored eyes (blue, green, gray) are 2 to 3 times more likely to develop uveal melanoma than those with brown eyes.
- Medical history: Conditions such as ocular melanosis or dysplastic nevus syndrome may be risk factors.
- HIV/AIDS: HIV infection increases susceptibility to certain eye cancers.
- Genetics: Certain genetic mutations, particularly in the BAP1 gene, are associated with an increased risk of uveal melanoma.
- Occupational factors: Welders are particularly at risk for intraocular melanoma due to exposure to UV rays emitted by their work tools.
- Prolonged UV exposure: Ultraviolet rays from the sun or tanning devices damage the eye and increase the risk of melanoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and basal cell carcinoma.
Symptoms of eye cancer
The early stages of eye cancer are often silent, with no obvious symptoms. As the tumor grows, it can cause changes in the eye tissue that affect vision.
Common symptoms include:
- Iris changes: appearance of a dark spot, deformation of the iris.
- Visual disturbances: blurred vision, partial or complete loss of vision, perception of floating objects (flying flies),flashes of light or shadows.
- Pupil abnormalities: changes in pupil size or shape.
- Eye changes: protrusion of the eye (exophthalmos),persistent redness, presence of a visible mass.
In children, retinoblastoma may manifest as leukocoria (white or silvery reflex in the pupil) and strabismus (squinting of the eye).
Diagnosis of eye cancer
The diagnosis of eye cancer is usually based on a thorough clinical examination by an ophthalmologist. This includes a fundus examination with pupil dilation and an ocular ultrasound to visualize the internal structures of the eye in detail.
In adults, if melanoma is suspected, a biopsy may be performed to determine the exact type of tumor and assess the risk of metastasis. This allows treatment to be tailored to the patient's needs and the disease to be closely monitored.
In children, biopsy is generally avoided due to the risk of tumor spread. Other imaging tests, such as MRI, may be preferred to confirm the diagnosis and monitor disease progression.
Eye cancer treatment in Turkey
Eye cancer and ocular tumors require highly specialized oncologic management to preserve vision and prevent the spread of the disease.
Our partner ophthalmology clinics in Turkey provide experts in ocular oncology who have mastered the most advanced techniques.
Proton therapy, a precision radiation therapy, is often the preferred treatment for eye cancer. This procedure uses highly targeted proton beams that destroy cancer cells while sparing surrounding healthy tissue.
More complex cases may require a multidisciplinary approach combining surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy and targeted therapy. Both conventional and laser surgery can remove tumors, especially small ones, with great precision.
Life-threatening prognosis: is eye tumors fatal?
In children, eye cancer is now 100% treatable thanks to advances in ophthalmology and oncology.
However, in adults, cancer can be fatal if it is metastasized if it is not treated properly. This represents on average 30% of eye cancer cases.
Management of eye cancer in Turkey
Trust your eye health to our experts in Turkey. Our partner clinics, equipped with the most innovative technologies, offer targeted treatments for eye cancer. Our ophthalmologists, renowned for their expertise, will do their utmost to give you the best chance of recovery.
Turquie Santé accompanies you every step of the way, from diagnosis to recovery, ensuring optimal comfort and competitive rates.
Act quickly to benefit from the best treatments and regain clear vision.
With Turquie Santé, hope is within reach!
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The most common symptoms of eye cancer:
- Dark spot on the eye and its iris.
- Blurred vision (blurred, loss of sight).
- See shapes that float like dots or wavy lines.
- See shadows or lightning.
- Change in pupil size.
- Displacement of the eyeball from its orbit.
- Mass on the surface of the eye.
- Persistent redness of the eye.
In children, the cause is usually genetic. For adults, the causes of conjunctival melanoma are related to ultraviolet rays. As for choroid melanoma, the causes are not known.
For small tumors laser surgery is used. For the most dangerous tumors, surgery is combined with immunology, chemotherapy, targeted therapy or radiotherapy.
