There are two types of cancer in the eye; Retinoblastoma, which is more common among children, and Malignant Melanoma, which tends to strike older age groups.
Retinoblastoma:This is the most common cancer of the inside of the eye in children. Early detection and treatment of the affected eye is very important. If the child’s eye looks ‘white’ or appears misaligned, it may mean an abnormality in the eye and this must be investigated. Unfortunately, retinoblastoma can affect both eyes simultaneously.
Melanoma:Even though melanoma tumours in the eye do not arise from the retina, they are closely related to it. Choroidal melanoma is the most common primary malignant tumor of the inside of the eye and the second most common type of primary malignant melanoma in the body. These tumours can usually be diagnosed with a good retinal examination, investigations such as ultrasound test of the eye or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). If not treated in time, they can spread through the blood and spread to other parts of the body.
