Eye Cancer Surgery: What It Is and Why It Matters

When dealing with eye cancer surgery, the removal or targeted treatment of malignant tumors inside the eye. Also known as ocular tumor excision, it aims to eradicate cancer while preserving as much vision as possible. A common driver for this surgery is ocular melanoma, the most frequent primary eye cancer in adults. This disease originates in pigment‑producing cells and can spread quickly if left untreated. eye cancer surgery therefore becomes a pivotal step in stopping growth, reducing metastasis risk, and giving patients a chance at a normal life.

Key Surgical Options and How They Differ

Two main procedures dominate the field. Enucleation, the removal of the entire eyeball is chosen when the tumor fills most of the globe or threatens the optic nerve. Surgeons replace the eye with an orbital implant to maintain facial structure, and patients often undergo prosthetic fitting later. The alternative, plaque brachytherapy, a form of internal radiation where a tiny gold plaque loaded with radioactive seeds is sutured to the sclera, targets the tumor directly while sparing surrounding tissue. This technique is preferred for medium‑sized lesions because it can preserve useful vision. Both methods require precise imaging, interdisciplinary planning, and post‑operative monitoring to catch any recurrence early.

Beyond the surgery itself, the broader specialty of ocular oncology, the medical discipline that diagnoses, treats, and follows eye cancers ties everything together. Ophthalmologists, radiation oncologists, and medical oncologists collaborate to stage the tumor, decide on the optimal approach, and manage adjunct therapies like systemic chemotherapy when needed. The success of eye cancer surgery often hinges on this teamwork, as each specialist contributes a piece of the puzzle: accurate diagnosis, safe removal, and vigilant follow‑up. In the sections below you’ll find a curated list of articles that dive deeper into each technique, discuss recovery tips, and explore the latest advances in ocular oncology.