Alternative Names
cancer of the eye
Symptoms & Characteristics
Eye cancer can affect the outer or inner parts of the eye. Cancer can begin in the eye or spread to the eye from other parts of the body. Some of the cancer types that may affect the eye include:
- melanoma - begins in the cells that produce the pigment melanin
- carcinoma - begins in tissues that cover structures in the eye
- lymphoma - begins in immune system cells
- retinoblastoma - begins in the retina (light and color sensitive part of the eye) and usually occurs in children younger than 5 years
Treatment
Treatment for eye cancer may include surgery, radiation or laser therapy, or freezing or heat therapy depending on the type and stage of eye cancer.
How Common Is It?
Eye cancer is typically uncommon. About 1 in 15,000 live births are affected with retinoblastoma.
Genetics & Inheritance
Cancer is a multifactorial condition, which means it involves a combination of genetic, lifestyle and environmental factors. Most cases of eye cancer are not inherited and occur sporadically.
The major exception is retinoblastoma, which is typically inherited due to mutations in the RB1 gene on chromosome 13 at the location q14.1-q14.2. Familial retinoblastoma is a hereditary cancer syndrome. A hereditary cancer syndrome is caused by an inherited gene mutation that increases the chance to develop one or more types of cancer.
- Families are more likely to have a hereditary cancer syndrome if there are multiple generations of affected family members with the same cancer (or associated cancers). People who are diagnosed at an unusually young age or have certain rare cancers are also more likely to have a hereditary cancer syndrome. Several different hereditary cancer syndromes have been identified. Click here for more information about Cancer Genetics.
A cancer genetic consultation with a trained genetic professional is important for a complete evaluation, accurate diagnosis, as well as discussion of the benefits and limitations of testing and recurrence risk.
Genetic Testing
Cancer predisposition testing for familial retinoblastoma may be available through an in person cancer genetic consultation for people who are considered at risk.
The decision to have genetic testing is personal and should always be discussed with trained medical professional. Use our find a genetic professional directory to locate a trained genetic professional in your area.
Support & More Information
More information can be found at: