Ophthalmic Oncology

Tumors can arise in almost any part of the eye. Some eye tumors can be quite serious, while others need no treatment. Ophthalmologists at Mass. Eye and Ear are very familiar with tumors throughout the eye. Some of the specialty areas that we have developed at Mass. Eye and Ear include:

  • Ocular Surface Tumors: Tumors may occur on the surface of the eye due to overexposure to the sun and other causes.
  • Uveal Melanoma: Melanoma of the uveal tract is an uncommon but serious condition that requires careful diagnosis and follow up.
  • Orbital Tumors and Inflammation: The orbit is comprised of the bones of the eye socket, the eyeball, the eye muscles, the optic nerve and the surrounding fat. Any of these structures may form a tumor in adults and children. Our surgeons in Ophthalmic Plastic Surgery are specialists in this area.
  • Retinoblastoma: Tumors of the retina, in the back of the eye, are uncommon and are mostly found in young children, although they can develop at any age. Our surgeons in the Retina Service are specialists in this area.

David G. Cogan Laboratory of Eye Pathology

The surgical specialists in these areas work closely with the ophthalmic pathologists in the David G. Cogan Laboratory of Eye Pathology in diagnosis of both cancerous and benign tumors. The Cogan Laboratory is a joint endeavor between Mass. Eye and Ear and Massachusetts General Hospital, and is housed at Mass. Eye and Ear.

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