malignant neoplasm of the eye

Good morning @doug527
Welcome to MayoClinicConnect. We’re a varied community of individuals who share their health journeys offer suggestions and support. We’re not physicians so we don’t diagnose or prescribe medications. I’m glad that you’re going to have a 2nd opinion before surgery. Write down all the questions you posted and ask the doctor doing the second opinion. And write down the answers. What did the first surgeon say about the surgery?

Hi Doug, I can imagine you and your wife are nervous.
I found this information to be helpful in understanding what to expect regarding types of eye cancers and how to diagnose. https://www.cancer.ca/en/cancer-information/cancer-type/eye/eye-cancer/cancerous-tumours/

It states:
"Most types of cancer need a biopsy to confirm a cancer diagnosis. But some cancers in the eye can be diagnosed with only an eye exam or imaging test. Doctors try to avoid removing tissue from the eye because it can be hard to get a sample of the tumour without damaging the eye or spreading the cancer. A biopsy is most often done:
- when a diagnosis can’t be made with other tests
- when the doctor recommends cytogenetic tests
- to remove a suspicious area surrounding the eye, such as the eyelid
There are special types of biopsies that are also used to help diagnose eye cancer or see where it may have spread.

Doug, I'm wondering if you have a bit more information so that I can connect you with members who also have experience with eye cancer. Do you know what type of eye cancer your wife has (melanoma, lymphoma, other)? Or is the biopsy needed to confirm the diagnosis? Have the doctors done other tests? If so, which ones?

Hey thanks for replying. What we were told, malignant neoplasm of the eye. The reason for labeling malignant is for insurance coding the doctor said. He won't know until he does the biopsy 2/19. Not sure what type of cancer, I imagine we have to wait for biopsy. What I want to know is who does the scans, blood work, etc, to see if the eye is the origin or if it has come from someplace else.

@doug527 I’m wondering how your wife is doing? Did the surgery for the biopsy go well? What did the doctor say are the next steps? I wish you and your wife all my best