How is eye cancer treated?

A fellow caregiver asked...

I have a tumor in my right eye. I had a biopsy done recently and am now waiting for the results. The doctor told me that he couldn't see how large the tumor was, but said that it was spreading to my other eye. He spoke frequently of cancer. Can you tell me about eye cancer? I know that it is extremely rare. Also, what are the options of having the tumor removed ? The tumor is right above my tear ducts and spreading slowly towards the iris and pupil. What I am asking is what does one do about eye cancer ?

Expert Answer

Lylas Mogk, M.D. is an ophthalmologist and director of the Henry Ford Visual Rehabilitation and Research Center in Grosse Pointe and Livonia, Michigan, and the author of Macular Degeneration: The Complete Guide to Saving and Maximizing Your Sight.

There is no single answer to the question of what one does about eye cancer and no reasonable answer at all is possible without more information. This is because there are many different types of cancer that can develop in or on the eye and the eyelids. When your ophthalmologist has the results of the biopsy, you need to ask him or her this question.