A Complete Guide to Eye Cancers; Types, Symptoms, and Treatments

Eye Cancer In Children

Retinoblastoma and medulloepithelioma are the most common eye cancer types in children. Retinoblastoma is found in the retina of children below five years of age and most commonly starts when the child is in the mother's womb. Retinoblastoma occurs when eye cells - called retinoblasts - continue to grow uncontrollably and form a cancerous tumor. Common signs of this condition include white eye, cat eye, irritated and red eyes, crossed eyes and enlargement of the eye. Medulloepithelioma is an extremely rare yet aggressive form of cancer that starts in the ciliary body of children between the ages of six months and five years. The tumor is characterized by eye pain, loss of vision and seizures because of its rapid growth. However, unlike retinoblastoma, this type of cancer rarely spreads to other parts of the body.

Other Types Of Eye Cancer

Apart from melanoma and lymphoma, other types of eye cancer affect the outer parts of the eyes. Lacrimal gland cancer falls into this category, which affects the tear glands found above or on the side of your eye. It mainly affects people over thirty years of age who have fair or lighter skin tones, and can be seen as a red patch or burn below the eyes. Eyelid cancer is also another type that affects the lower eyelid because of staying in the sun for too long. This kind of cancer is also referred to as basal cell carcinoma, and it is easy to treat if detected early.