Cancers near the eye have several different treatments. Surgery is the most common. Depending on the type of cancer, surgery may remove the growth or a portion of the tissue surrounding it. It may also remove other nearby tissues, including the eyelid or eye muscles. Some types of cancer near the eye may be slow-growing or non-invasive, and are treated with chemotherapy. If you have cancer near your eye, you should see a doctor as soon as possible to discuss your options.
Some eye tumors are visible on the clear tissue covering the white part of the eye, called the sclera. Others form within the eyeball, where they are less visible. These tumors are often the result of another type of cancer, called metastatic cancer. Eye tumors can also form on the surrounding skin. Another common cancer near the eye is a brown spot, known as a nevus. A nevus is a dark spot found on the iris or choroid. While most tumors do not cause symptoms, some may lead to changes in vision.
Treatment options for cancer near the eye are individualized, and the choice of treatment will depend on the type of cancer and where it has spread. Your doctor may recommend surgery if your tumor is less than 10 millimeters or is larger than three millimeters. Surgical removal may involve removing part or all of the eye. Another treatment method involves high-energy beams aimed at the tumor. These high-energy beams may kill the cancer cells, but they may also damage healthy cells. Therefore, treatment choices should be based on your age, overall health, and personal preference.
Another type of cancer that can affect the eye is known as lacrimal gland cancer. These glands produce fluid that is used to clean and protect the surface of the eyelids. Tears are a part of these fluids. Treatment for lacrimal gland cancer varies depending on the type and size of the tumor. Treatment for adenoid cystic carcinoma is surgery, followed by radiotherapy or chemotherapy. Chemotherapy and surgery for lymphoma of the lacrimal gland may also be recommended.
In addition to a comprehensive exam, your doctor can perform imaging tests to determine if your growth is cancerous. Digital pictures are helpful for a doctor to monitor your tumors over time. Different tests used to examine eye tumors can also be helpful. Pathologists and eye doctors can perform various tests to determine if they are cancerous or benign. If your eye doctor suspects cancer, he or she may recommend a biopsy to find out the exact cause of the growth.
Another form of cancer near the eyelids is melanoma, which accounts for about 1% of all eyelid cancers. These tumors are rare and pigmented. When detected, they can spread to other parts of the body and may need to be removed surgically. This type of cancer often grows slowly and needs to be removed. The best way to treat melanoma is through surgery and chemotherapy. There are also several types of chemotherapy that may be used in the treatment of eyelid cancer.
