Can You Get Cancer on Your Retina?

One of the most worrisome facts about our vision is the thought of losing it. While many conditions can lead to vision loss or even permanent blindness, the word “cancer” stirs up a host of emotions including concerns about mortality, anxiety about pain & suffering, fear and impact on quality of life. Eye cancer refers to any type of cancer that originates in the eye or its surrounding structures. It can affect various parts of the eye, including the eyeball (globe), orbit (eye socket) and adnexal structures (like the eyelids and tear glands). Eye cancer can be primary (originating in the eye) or secondary (metastatic, spreading to the eye from another part of the body). 

Types of eye cancer include melanoma, lymphoma, orbital tumors, eyelid tumors and conjunctival cancers. Curious if you can get cancer on your retina? Retinoblastoma, the most common retinal cancer, typically affects children under the age of 5. It can occur in one or both eyes and is caused by mutations in the RB1 gene which normally helps control cell growth. While retinoblastoma is the most prevalent, adults can develop other rare types of retinal tumors, such as melanoma of the retina, which is exceedingly rare compared to melanoma of the choroid (part of the uveal tract). Symptoms of retinal cancer are a white reflex in the pupil, usually noticed in photographs, misalignment of the eyes, reduced vision or blindness in the affected eye and, although less common, redness and swelling. 

Treatment for retinal cancer depends on the size, location and extent of the tumor as well as whether the cancer has spread. 

1. Enucleation: Surgical removal of the eye may be necessary if the tumor is large or vision cannot be saved.
2. Chemotherapy: Used to shrink the tumor, either systemically (through the bloodstream) or locally (directly into the eye).
3. Radiation Therapy: External beam radiation or brachytherapy can target the tumor while sparing surrounding tissues.
4. Laser Therapy or Cryotherapy: These techniques destroy cancerous tissue by either heating (laser) or freezing (cryo) the tumor.

The overall survival rate for pediatric retinoblastoma is 95%; in most cases vision loss can be avoided with early intervention if diagnosed before the age 2. In the United States, the 5-year relative survival rate for primary eye cancer is 96% for individuals under 15 years old, but it drops to 74.8% for those over age 75. The prognosis for eye melanoma also varies based on factors like tumor size and location, the involvement of lymph nodes, and whether the cancer has metastasized.

Comprehensive eye exams are influential in halting ocular disease progression. For cancers of the eye and other vision threatening conditions, simple testing can range from alleviating worry to aggressive treatment to avoid sight loss. Book your exam with Associated Retina Consultants today by calling 602-242-4928 or visiting WEBSITE.