What is the cause of cancer near the eye? The most common type is basal cell carcinoma. This type of cancer starts in the sebaceous gland, sweat gland, or apocrine gland. Basal cells are found in the lower epidermis, and 80% of skin cancers originate from them. The most common type of cancer found in the eyelid is basal cell carcinoma. It usually begins in the lower lid and is most common in fair skin types.
Other types of cancer in the eye are called melanoma and retinoblastoma. These cancers originate in other parts of the body, and most of these cancers do not spread beyond the eye. Retinal tumors start in the womb, so early detection is very important. Retinoblastoma usually occurs in children, but it can also develop in adults. If it is found in a child, it can lead to vision loss or vision problems.
While many eye tumors are painless, some cause vision problems, and others may change the shape and color of the eye. Luckily, most cancers in the eye are easy to detect. An annual eye exam is recommended for anyone with moles near the eye. In some cases, a cancer near the eye may be a sign of a more serious underlying health problem. However, if a cancer is found early, treatment options may be better.
Treatment of eyelid cancer is usually surgery, though radiation therapy may also be an option. Radiation therapy is most effective for tumors in the lower eyelid. The doctor may perform a sentinel lymph node biopsy to determine if the cancer has spread to lymph nodes. If it has spread, a patient may need to undergo radiation therapy or surgery to remove the lymph nodes. Additionally, chemotherapy and proton therapy may be used to prevent eye surgery.
Skin cancers may affect the eyelid mucous membrane. The most common type is basal cell carcinoma, while melanomas are less common. Melanomas, or dark spots in the skin, occur in the pigment-producing cells of the eye. Early detection of these tumors reduces the risk of recurrence or spread to other organs. But it is important to be vigilant in monitoring skin around the eyes.
When a tumor spreads to the eye, it is usually called a metastatic tumor. This is the case with skin cancer, although it is not considered lung cancer. In contrast, basal cell carcinoma is a skin cancer that has spread to the eye, whereas squamous cell carcinoma has spread to other parts of the body. When the cancer spreads to other parts of the body, it can cause an unsightly scar below the eye.
When skin cancers spread to the eye, they are treated in a similar manner to primary eye cancer. Surgery consists of two main steps: removal of the cancer and reconstruction, which may include suturing edges together or grafting skin. Treatment for cancer near the eye is more effective if it is detected early. Treatment also reduces the chances of recurrence. Follow-up visits are necessary to monitor any new cancers that may have occurred.
