We make sure you get the tests you need for a diagnosis at your first visit. We can also sign you up for surgery before we get your test results to ensure you get quick treatment if you need it.
Your eye cancer team will take the time to explain your diagnosis and treatment options with you. We want to make sure you understand your options and feel comfortable about any decisions about your care.
Intraocular cancer
Eye imaging we use to diagnose intraocular cancer includes:
- Ultrasonography: An ultrasound of the eye.
- Fundus photography: A picture of the back of the eye
- Optical coherence tomography (OCT): Similar to a CT scan of the eye. It uses infrared light rays without any radiation exposure
Other tests include:
- MRI, to precisely plan effective treatment
- Chest and abdomen CT, to check for any cancer that has spread (metastasized) to other parts of the body, such as the liver or lungs
Eyelid and orbital cancer
If we suspect you have cancer, we’ll perform a biopsy at your initial appointment. During a biopsy, we remove a small amount of tissue and examine it to look for cancer cells.
Most biopsies are simple procedures done in our clinic. We can numb the area for your comfort.
If the suspected cancer is in a hard-to-reach area, we may perform the biopsy in the operating room. This procedure typically takes 10-15 minutes.
Genetic testing can help us understand the risk of your tumor spreading beyond the eye. Based on your risk, we may recommend regular screenings and follow-up appointments with your primary care provider or medical oncologist.
