Eye cancer and Types

Eye cancer is a type of malignancy which starts to grow in eyes. It is a group of cells that spreads to other parts of the body and destroys tissues.

Ocular melanoma:

Melanoma is one of the most common eye cancer types. It is also known as ocular melanoma. This condition develops in the cells which are responsible for producing pigmentation in eyes, hair and skin. As melanoma develops on skin, it can also develop on eyes also. Even though it is a common cancer type, it is rare.

It is also known as Uveal melanoma as it develops in the uvea in eyeball, present between sclera and retina. Melanoma always develops in the choroid which is a part of the uvea. Melanomas in eyes especially in the iris grow slowly and do not spread to other parts of the body.

Primary intraocular lymphoma:

It is a type of cancer which affects the white blood cells or lymphocytes. It can also affect lungs and stomach. There are two main types: Hodgkins disease and non-Hodgkins lymphoma. Primary Intraocular Lymphoma is a Non-Hodgkins lymphoma and usually elderly people get affected. The immune system gets affected.

Retinoblastoma:

This is another type of eye cancer which affects young children mostly. It is caused by a genetic mutation which begins in the retina. As a result retinal nerve cells multiply and spread to eye and other parts as well. Orbital cancer affects eyeball including the muscles which are responsible for movement of the eyeball.