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Eye cancer is a malignant tumor occurring in ocular tissues, including malignancies inside the eyeball and in the orbital region. According to the site of origin, it can be divided into intraocular tumors and orbital tumors. Retinoblastoma is the most common ocular malignancy in children, whereas uveal melanoma is more common in adults.
1. Retinoblastoma
The most common intraocular malignant tumor in children, arising from embryonic retinal cells.
2. Uveal melanoma
The most common primary intraocular malignancy in adults, including melanoma of the iris, ciliary body, and choroid.
3. Eyelid cancer
Includes basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma and is among the most common tumors of the ocular adnexa.
4. Orbital tumors
Such as lacrimal gland carcinoma and orbital lymphoma, arising from orbital soft tissues.
5. Conjunctival tumors
Including melanoma and squamous cell carcinoma, arising from the conjunctival epithelium.
6. Classification by histologic origin
Includes epithelial, mesenchymal, and lymphohematopoietic tumors.
7. Classification by degree of malignancy
According to differentiation, tumors may be classified as low-grade or high-grade malignancies.
1. Genetic factors
RB1 gene mutations are closely associated with the development of retinoblastoma.
2. Ultraviolet exposure
Long-term excessive ultraviolet exposure increases the risk of eyelid and conjunctival cancers.
3. Viral infection
Human papillomavirus infection is associated with conjunctival and eyelid squamous cell carcinoma.
4. Age
The predominant types of eye cancer differ significantly across age groups.
5. Racial differences
Uveal melanoma occurs relatively more often in White populations.
6. Chemical exposure
Long-term exposure to substances such as arsenic may increase risk.
7. Immunosuppression
Risk is increased in immunosuppressed states, such as after organ transplantation.
8. Chronic inflammation
Long-standing chronic ocular surface inflammation may contribute to malignant transformation.
1. Ultraviolet protection
Wear UV-protective sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat outdoors to reduce the risk of ocular surface tumors.
2. Regular ophthalmic examinations
Undergo a comprehensive eye examination once a year; high-risk individuals should be monitored more closely for early detection and timely treatment.
3. Avoid harmful chemicals
Reduce exposure to hazardous chemicals, and use protective eyewear in occupational settings.
4. Healthy lifestyle
Maintain a balanced diet rich in antioxidants, stop smoking, limit alcohol, and support immune health.
5. Awareness of warning symptoms
Pay attention to visual changes, leukocoria, and other abnormalities, and seek medical evaluation promptly to avoid delayed diagnosis.
Jinshazhou Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine emphasizes that although eye cancer is rare, it poses a serious threat to both vision and life. Early symptoms are often subtle and easily overlooked, and many patients are diagnosed at an advanced stage, making treatment more difficult. High-risk individuals should remain vigilant and undergo regular ophthalmic screening. If suspicious signs such as leukocoria or visual abnormalities appear, prompt medical evaluation is essential. Early diagnosis and standardized treatment are key to improving prognosis and preserving visual function, and multidisciplinary collaboration can enhance individualized treatment outcomes.
Eye cancer is a malignant tumor occurring in ocular tissues, including malignancies inside the eyeball and in the orbital region. According to the site of origin, it can be divided into intraocular tumors and orbital tumors. Retinoblastoma is the most common ocular malignancy in children, whereas uveal melanoma is more common in adults.
1. Retinoblastoma
The most common intraocular malignant tumor in children, arising from embryonic retinal cells.
2. Uveal melanoma
The most common primary intraocular malignancy in adults, including melanoma of the iris, ciliary body, and choroid.
3. Eyelid cancer
Includes basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma and is among the most common tumors of the ocular adnexa.
4. Orbital tumors
Such as lacrimal gland carcinoma and orbital lymphoma, arising from orbital soft tissues.
5. Conjunctival tumors
Including melanoma and squamous cell carcinoma, arising from the conjunctival epithelium.
6. Classification by histologic origin
Includes epithelial, mesenchymal, and lymphohematopoietic tumors.
7. Classification by degree of malignancy
According to differentiation, tumors may be classified as low-grade or high-grade malignancies.
1. Genetic factors
RB1 gene mutations are closely associated with the development of retinoblastoma.
2. Ultraviolet exposure
Long-term excessive ultraviolet exposure increases the risk of eyelid and conjunctival cancers.
3. Viral infection
Human papillomavirus infection is associated with conjunctival and eyelid squamous cell carcinoma.
4. Age
The predominant types of eye cancer differ significantly across age groups.
5. Racial differences
Uveal melanoma occurs relatively more often in White populations.
6. Chemical exposure
Long-term exposure to substances such as arsenic may increase risk.
7. Immunosuppression
Risk is increased in immunosuppressed states, such as after organ transplantation.
8. Chronic inflammation
Long-standing chronic ocular surface inflammation may contribute to malignant transformation.
1. Ultraviolet protection
Wear UV-protective sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat outdoors to reduce the risk of ocular surface tumors.
2. Regular ophthalmic examinations
Undergo a comprehensive eye examination once a year; high-risk individuals should be monitored more closely for early detection and timely treatment.
3. Avoid harmful chemicals
Reduce exposure to hazardous chemicals, and use protective eyewear in occupational settings.
4. Healthy lifestyle
Maintain a balanced diet rich in antioxidants, stop smoking, limit alcohol, and support immune health.
5. Awareness of warning symptoms
Pay attention to visual changes, leukocoria, and other abnormalities, and seek medical evaluation promptly to avoid delayed diagnosis.
Jinshazhou Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine emphasizes that although eye cancer is rare, it poses a serious threat to both vision and life. Early symptoms are often subtle and easily overlooked, and many patients are diagnosed at an advanced stage, making treatment more difficult. High-risk individuals should remain vigilant and undergo regular ophthalmic screening. If suspicious signs such as leukocoria or visual abnormalities appear, prompt medical evaluation is essential. Early diagnosis and standardized treatment are key to improving prognosis and preserving visual function, and multidisciplinary collaboration can enhance individualized treatment outcomes.