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Lymphomas of the eye
Medical expert of the article
Last reviewed: 07.07.2025
Lymphomas of the accessory apparatus of the eye (conjunctiva, lacrimal gland and orbit) account for approximately 8% of all extranodal lymphomas. Lymphoma, like benign lymphoid hyperplasia, is classified as a lymphoproliferative disease. Between these two forms lies the so-called "gray zone" of intermediate forms, the diagnosis of which is impossible using traditional histological techniques.
[ Symptoms of Ocular Lymphoma
Lymphoma of the eye manifests itself in the 6th-8th decades of life with unclear symptoms.
- It is localized in any part of the orbit and is sometimes bilateral.
- The anterior localizations can be palpated and have an elastic consistency.
- Sometimes the lymphoma is limited to the conjunctiva or lacrimal gland and does not involve the orbit.
Systemic examination of patients with lymphoid hyperplastic lesions of the orbit includes chest radiography, serum immunoglobulin electrophoresis, thoracoabdominal CG to detect possible retroperitoneal spread and, if necessary, bone marrow puncture.
The course of ocular lymphoma is variable and can be unpredictable. In some patients, lesions that appear histologically malignant resolve spontaneously or after steroid use. Conversely, lesions that appear to be benign lymphoid hyperplasia develop into lymphoma after several years.
Classification of Ocular Lymphoma
The Euro-American classification of lymphomas (REAL) divides lymphomas into 5 types according to increasing risk of extranodal spread, dissemination over time, and mortality.
- Extranodal marginal zone B-cell lymphoma.
- Follicular center lymphoma.
- Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma.
- Plasmacytoma.
- Lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma.
What do need to examine?
How to examine?
Treatment of ocular lymphoma
Treatment of ocular lymphoma includes radiation therapy for localized processes and chemotherapy for disseminated forms.