Tumours Involving Vision

Tumours involving vision are usually secondary tumours that are caused by cancers that have spread from other areas of the body, such as the breast, lung, bowel, or prostate. Two types of primary tumours begin within the eye itself:

• Retinoblastoma: cancer of the retina that occurs in children
• Melanoma: uncontrolled growth of cells called melanocytes, most frequently in adults aged 60 to 65

Beyond damaging vision, eye tumours can spread to other areas of the body. Therefore, it is critical that you seek the expertise of the eye care team at Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, part of the University of Miami Health System, to properly diagnose and treat your eye tumour.

Symptoms of tumours involving vision include:

• Blurry vision
• Bulging of one eye
• Dark patch in your eye that increases in size over time
• Lump on your eyelid or eye that increases in size over time
• Partial or complete loss of vision
• Shadows, flashes of light, or wiggly lines in your vision

Tests

Comprehensive Exam – Your doctor will conduct a thorough physical examination of your eyes – as well as gather a complete health history – to determine if you have a tumour involving vision. This exam usually includes dilating your eyes so your doctor can better see inside your eyes.

Imaging – You may need to undergo an ultrasound or computerized tomography (CT) scan so your doctor can assess a detailed image of your eye and tumours.

Treatments

Surgery – When possible, your ophthalmologist may recommend you undergo surgery to have the tumour removed.

Laser Treatment – Depending on the location and size of your tumour, your specialist may recommend you undergo laser treatment to remove the tumour.

Radiation Therapy – If surgery is not possible, or is unsuccessful at removing the whole eye tumour, you may need to undergo radiation therapy to shrink the tumour.