Eye Cancer in Children

Child's Eye

Eye cancer occurs when cells grow abnormally and form a tumor on or in the eye. Children can develop eye cancer in any area of the eye at any point during their childhood.

Types

Types of eye cancer include intraocular melanoma and lymphoma, retinoblastoma and conjunctival melanoma.

Effects

Children who have eye cancer will have decreased vision, see spots or squiggles, and may have an eye that bulges.

Identification

To identify if a child has eye cancer, a doctor called an ophthalmologist will examine the eye to see if the child's blood vessels are enlarged. If they are, the ophthalmologist will order imaging tests to determine if cancer is causing the enlarged blood vessels.

Treatments

Treatments for eye cancer in children include chemotherapy, radiation therapy and surgery.

Follow-Up

After eye cancer has been treated, children will need to see an ophthalmologist every two to three months so the doctor can perform a physical exam to make sure the cancer has not returned.

References

• American Society of Clinical Oncology- Introduction, Types
• American Cancer Society- Effects, Identification, Treatments, Follow Up