Additional diagnostic tests including CT scan, MRI, and appropriate laboratory studies are performed and, in many cases, diagnostic biopsy is necessary. Sample tissues are evaluated in the Frederick C. Blodi Ophthalmic Pathology Laboratory. The treatment of cancer of the eye and orbit includes a variety of techniques. Excision of eyelid cancers is followed by reconstruction of the affected tissues using local myocutaneous flaps or grafting techniques. In many cases, reconstruction follows controlled tumor excision by the members of the Mohs Surgery Service in the Department of Dermatology.
Surgeons use microsurgical techniques to remove or biopsy orbital tumors.
When preservation of the eye or orbital tissues is not possible, orbital exenteration may be required. After exenteration of the orbit, facial prostheses are attached to the facial skeleton in a traditional manner or with orbital osseointegration. Excision of conjunctival cancers followed by reconstruction in association with conjunctival cryotherapy or corneal transplantation is available. The treatment of ocular melanoma with either radioactive plaque application or enucleation of the eye is performed using the most recent surgical techniques and orbital implants. Board certified ocularists create prosthetic eyes.