Ocular oncology

Neoplasia can affect all ocular tissues. The clinical appearance of ocular neoplasia can vary considerably depending on the specific tissue involved. Intraocular neoplasia may mimic or incite ocular inflammatory disease in addition to causing hyphema or secondary glaucoma. Intraocular neoplasms can be primary tumors or may be secondary to metastatic disease or systemic neoplasia. Primary neoplasms, metastatic tumors, tumors extending from adjacent structures, and systemic neoplasms can also affect the adnexal tissues. Many ophthalmic tumors are histologically benign but are locally invasive and, within the confined space of the eye or orbit, can produce significant tissue distortion. Certain ocular neoplasms, such as many canine eyelid tumors, are amenable to simple excision and can be adequately managed in general practice. The evaluation and treatment of other ophthalmic neoplasms, however, may require the additional equipment available only in larger specialty practices, such as computed tomography and radiation therapy. Early diagnosis of ocular neoplasia is an important aspect of successful management.