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Ophthalmic Oncology Treatment

Comprehensive multidisciplinary management of intraocular and adnexal tumors including uveal melanoma, retinoblastoma, and orbital malignancies using plaque brachytherapy, proton beam therapy, intra-arterial chemotherapy, and globe-sparing surgery.

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Last updated:

This content has been compiled by the Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board and is periodically reviewed by a specialist physician.

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our Göz Hastalıkları department. Book Appointment →

What is Ophthalmic Oncology Treatment?

Ophthalmic oncology encompasses the diagnosis and treatment of malignant tumors of the eye and ocular adnexa, including intraocular tumors (uveal melanoma, retinoblastoma, intraocular lymphoma, choroidal metastases), orbital tumors (rhabdomyosarcoma, lymphoma, lacrimal gland carcinoma), conjunctival malignancies (OSSN, conjunctival melanoma), and eyelid tumors (basal cell, squamous cell, sebaceous carcinoma, melanoma).

Globe-conserving treatments have largely replaced primary enucleation: plaque brachytherapy (Iodine-125, Ruthenium-106) for uveal melanoma; proton beam radiotherapy for posterior or large tumors; intra-arterial chemotherapy (selective ophthalmic artery infusion of melphalan) and intravitreal chemotherapy for retinoblastoma; topical chemotherapy (mitomycin-C, 5-FU, interferon) for OSSN. Enucleation is reserved for advanced disease, blind painful eye, or extrascleral extension.

Multidisciplinary management integrates ocular oncology, medical oncology, radiation oncology, genetic counseling (RB1, BAP1, GNAQ/11), pathology, and pediatric oncology. Genetic testing identifies high-risk patients (BAP1-mutated uveal melanoma, hereditary retinoblastoma) and guides surveillance. Early detection through screening (high-risk infants for retinoblastoma) significantly improves survival.

Symptoms

Painless visual disturbance, blurred vision, or floaters
Leukocoria (white pupillary reflex, classic for retinoblastoma)
Strabismus (especially in young children)
Visible iris pigmented or vascular lesion
Eyelid mass, ulcerating or recurrent skin lesion
Proptosis (eye protrusion) suggesting orbital tumor
Conjunctival pigmented or vascular lesion that grows

Risk Factors

Familial uveal melanoma (BAP1 mutation)
Light-colored iris and skin (cutaneous melanoma association)
Hereditary retinoblastoma (RB1 germline mutation)
Chronic UV exposure (eyelid and conjunctival cancers)
Immunosuppression (HIV, transplant) for OSSN and lymphoma
Prior radiation exposure
History of cutaneous melanoma (uveal metastases)

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

  • Any new pigmented or vascular ocular lesion
  • Leukocoria observed in photographs (urgent in child)
  • Persistent visual changes or floaters
  • Eyelid mass that ulcerates, bleeds, or recurs
  • New-onset strabismus in child (requires urgent fundoscopy)
  • Proptosis or asymmetric eye prominence
  • Family history of uveal melanoma or retinoblastoma

Treatment Methods

01
Plaque brachytherapy (I-125, Ru-106) for medium-sized uveal melanoma
02
Proton beam radiotherapy for posterior or juxtapapillary tumors
03
Intra-arterial chemotherapy (melphalan) for advanced retinoblastoma
04
Intravitreal chemotherapy (melphalan, topotecan) for vitreous seeding
05
Mohs micrographic surgery for eyelid skin cancers
06
Topical chemotherapy (MMC, 5-FU, interferon) for OSSN
07
Enucleation or exenteration for advanced disease with metastatic surveillance

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our Göz Hastalıkları department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

Learn About Göz Hastalıkları Department

Let us help you

You can make an appointment with our specialists or contact us for your concerns.

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Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.