Overview
Primary lymphoma of the conjunctiva is a rare type of cancer that starts in the thin, clear tissue (called the conjunctiva) that covers the white part of the eye and lines the inside of the eyelids. It belongs to a group of cancers called lymphomas, which develop from white blood cells known as lymphocytes. Most conjunctival lymphomas are a slow-growing type called extranodal marginal zone B-cell lymphoma (also known as MALT lymphoma), though other types can occur. Patients typically notice a painless, salmon-pink or flesh-colored patch or mass on the surface of the eye, often on the inner side. The affected eye may feel irritated, and some people experience tearing, a foreign body sensation, or mild swelling. Vision is usually not affected early on, but the mass can grow over time. In most cases, the lymphoma stays limited to the eye area, but doctors will check to make sure it has not spread elsewhere in the body. Treatment usually involves radiation therapy directed at the eye, which is very effective for localized disease. In some cases, doctors may recommend chemotherapy, immunotherapy (such as rituximab), or antibiotics if a specific infection like Chlamydia psittaci is found to be associated. The outlook for most patients is good, especially when the disease is caught early and remains confined to the conjunctiva. Regular follow-up is important because there is a chance the lymphoma could come back or appear in other parts of the body over time.
Also known as:
Key symptoms:
Painless salmon-pink or flesh-colored mass on the eye surfaceEye redness or irritationFeeling of something in the eye (foreign body sensation)Excessive tearingSwelling of the eyelid or conjunctivaBlurred vision (in advanced cases)Eye discomfort or mild painVisible thickening of the conjunctival tissueDrooping eyelid if the mass grows largeBulging of the eye (proptosis) in rare advanced cases
Sporadic
Usually appears on its own, not inherited from a parent
Adult
Begins in adulthood (age 18 or older)
Treatments
No FDA-approved treatments are currently listed for Primary lymphoma of the conjunctiva.
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Specialists
View all specialists →No specialists are currently listed for Primary lymphoma of the conjunctiva.
Treatment Centers
8 centersBaylor College of Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🏥 NORDStanford Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Stanford Medicine
📍 Stanford, CA
🔬 UDNNIH Clinical Center Undiagnosed Diseases Program ↗
National Institutes of Health
📍 Bethesda, MD
🔬 UDNUCLA UDN Clinical Site ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
🔬 UDNBaylor College of Medicine UDN Clinical Site ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🔬 UDNHarvard/MGH UDN Clinical Site ↗
Massachusetts General Hospital
📍 Boston, MA
🏥 NORDMayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine ↗
Mayo Clinic
📍 Rochester, MN
👤 Mayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine
🏥 NORDUCLA Rare Disease Day Program ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
Travel Grants
No travel grants are currently matched to Primary lymphoma of the conjunctiva.
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Caregiver Resources
NORD Caregiver Resources
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Mental Health Support
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Family & Caregiver Grants
Financial assistance programs specifically for caregivers of rare disease patients.
Social Security Disability
Learn how rare disease patients may qualify for SSDI/SSI benefits.
Questions for your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment
- Q1.What exact type of lymphoma do I have, and what is the grade?,Has the lymphoma spread beyond my eye, and what tests were done to check?,What treatment do you recommend, and what are the expected side effects?,Should I be tested for Chlamydia psittaci infection, and could antibiotics help?,What is the chance that this lymphoma will come back after treatment?,How often will I need follow-up visits, and for how long?,Are there any clinical trials available for my condition?
Common questions about Primary lymphoma of the conjunctiva
What is Primary lymphoma of the conjunctiva?
Primary lymphoma of the conjunctiva is a rare type of cancer that starts in the thin, clear tissue (called the conjunctiva) that covers the white part of the eye and lines the inside of the eyelids. It belongs to a group of cancers called lymphomas, which develop from white blood cells known as lymphocytes. Most conjunctival lymphomas are a slow-growing type called extranodal marginal zone B-cell lymphoma (also known as MALT lymphoma), though other types can occur. Patients typically notice a painless, salmon-pink or flesh-colored patch or mass on the surface of the eye, often on the inner si
How is Primary lymphoma of the conjunctiva inherited?
Primary lymphoma of the conjunctiva follows a sporadic inheritance pattern. Genetic counseling can help families understand recurrence risk and testing options.
At what age does Primary lymphoma of the conjunctiva typically begin?
Typical onset of Primary lymphoma of the conjunctiva is adult. Age of onset can vary across affected individuals.