Follow up after treatment for eye cancer

After treatment for eye cancer, you have regular check ups at the hospital. This is also called surveillance. You also have tests, including blood tests, x-rays and scans. Over time, these appointments become less frequent.

Why you might have follow up appointments

You usually have follow up appointments to check how you are and see whether you have any problems or worries. The appointments also give you the chance to raise any concerns you have about your progress.

How often are my check ups?

How often you see your specialist depends on:

• how you are feeling
• the type of treatment you have had
• your situation

You will have regular follow ups after treatment for eye cancer.

You usually have follow up appointments every 6 months if you’ve had treatment to cure your eye melanoma. This continues for 2 to 5 years. After 5 years, you usually have follow up yearly, depending on your situation.

Your follow up may be different if there is a high risk that your eye melanoma may spread to the liver. Your doctor will discuss with you whether this applies to you and give you more information.

What happens during the appointments?

Your doctor or nurse examines your eye at each appointment. They ask how you are feeling, whether you have had any symptoms or side effects, and if you are worried about anything. You can also ask questions, it often helps to write these down to take with you. 
Your check ups may include:

• eye examinations

• blood tests

• x-rays or scans, such as ultrasound of your eye or MRI scans

• lumbar puncture (only for lymphoma of the eye)

You will not have all of these tests at every visit to your specialist.

If your doctor thinks that there is a risk of your eye melanoma spreading to another part of your body, you may have regular ultrasound scans of your abdomen. If you have any new symptoms, you might have some tests to look into this.

Between appointments

Contact your doctor or specialist nurse if you have any concerns between appointments. You should also contact them if you notice any new symptoms. You don’t have to wait until your next visit.

Many people find their check ups quite worrying. A hospital appointment can bring back any anxiety you had about your cancer.

It can help to tell someone close to you how you’re feeling. Sharing your worries can mean they don’t seem so overwhelming. Many people find it helpful to have counselling during or after cancer treatment.

You can also find people to share experiences with by using our online forum, CancerChat.