Ocular tumors

Tumours form when there’s an abnormal growth of cells in the human body. If this abnormal growth occurs in the eye it is known as an eye tumour. Eye tumours can either be benign – meaning they are noncancerous – or malignant – meaning they are cancerous. 

A tumour on any part of the body, including the eye, is first checked for cancerous growth. Benign eye tumours caused by abnormal growth of blood vessels in and around the eye are called haemangiomas. Benign tumours with pigmented lesions, also known as choroidal nevi, are usually located within the fall of the eye or on the eyelid. The most common type of benign tumour is the Choroidal Haemangioma which is responsible for the redness of the eye and vision disorders.

Malignant tumours of the eye  are usually metastatic – meaning cancer from other parts of the body (lung, mouth, liver, chest, etc) has spread to the eye causing a tumour. 

The most common type of malignant tumour is Intraocular Melanoma, also known as Uveal Melanoma or Choroidal Melanoma. Other ocular tumours are squamous cell carcinoma, lymphoma, and retinoblastoma .Eye tumour diagnosis in Vadodara is performed by Dr Aanal Shah, an eye specialist based in Vadodara.

Symptoms indicating tumours in the eye

Other than these, there are no symptoms of eye tumours. The tumours are usually found during routine eye check-ups. At an advanced stage, the tumours may cause

  • Blurry or shadowed vision (eye floaters)
  • Irregular shape of the pupil
  • Flashes of light in the eye
  • Distorted images/vision
  • Glaucoma
  • Complete loss of vision


A dark spot on the coloured part of the eye can be the first indication of an eye tumour. This dark spot is the abnormal growth of cells that gradually develop into moles in the eye. Such moles form in the conjunctiva of the eye, or the choroid and iris, and are known as a nevus. If you notice such a dark spot in your eye it is time to visit an eye tumour specialist in Vadodara. 

Most of the time, it is the simple mole in or near the eye that progresses into malignant tumours. It is advisable to get the moles checked by an ocular tumour specialist in Vadodara. 

Treatment of the Tumours

Treating the tumours depends on whether they are cancerous or not. 

If they are not cancerous, they are either removed chemically, surgically or cauterized, provided they are located outside the eye. If the benign tumours are found inside the eye, they are left as it is. Regular check-ups are mandated to keep an eye on their growth. 

If the tumours are cancerous, a multidisciplinary treatment plan is drawn up considering the stage and type of cancer, age of the patient, overall side effects of the treatment, and other medical conditions, if any. Radiation therapy, laser therapy, surgery, etc are some of the options that might prove beneficial in treating the eye tumour.

For ocular tumour diagnosis in Vadodara, consult Dr Aanal Shah, an experienced eye doctor based in Vadodara. 

FAQs

How long does an ocular implant last?

An ocular implant is designed to last a lifetime. The implant is made of biocompatible materials that will not break down or degrade over time. The implant is anchored in place with titanium screws, which also will not degrade over time. The implant itself is not visible and does not require any special care.

How often should I replace my prosthetic eye? 

Prosthetic eyes should be replaced every 5 to 10 years.

Will I be able to play sports while wearing a prosthetic eye? 

Yes, you should be able to play sports while wearing a prosthetic eye. However, you should avoid contact sports as there is a risk of the prosthetic eye becoming dislodged.