A treatment goal will be to save the eye and keep it in place as well as to reduce the risk of spreading the cancer. In some cases, you may receive radiation therapy or surgery to remove the tumor. Either treatment may result in side effects, including permanent eye damage or a weakened eye.
Most patients with cancer near the eye will undergo surgery. Radiation therapy is a treatment option for some patients, but only if the cancer is located in the lower eyelid. Your doctor may also perform a sentinel lymph node biopsy to determine whether the cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes. If it has spread to lymph nodes, you may need radiation therapy in addition to surgery. Larger tumors may require a combination of surgeries, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy.
Patients with cancer near the eye will have tests done and will be closely monitored. Their ophthalmologist will decide on the best treatment for them based on the size, location, and appearance of the tumour. A multidisciplinary team may be formed, including a medical oncologist, occupational therapist, and a counselor. This team can offer both one-on-one counseling and group support. They will discuss their diagnosis with you and offer guidance and support.
Another type of cancer near the eye is orbital lymphoma, which occurs in the soft tissue surrounding the eye. This type of cancer affects the elderly, young children, and the uvea, which is the middle layer of the eye. An untreated case may have no symptoms, but if the cancer is detected early, treatment options can be favorable. In addition, the cancer may have spread to other areas, such as the retina and the jelly-like vitreous.
When a tumor grows near the eye, it will spread to other parts of the body. Some tumors may be visible in the eye and surrounding skin, while others may be hidden deep inside the eye. These internal tumors are harder to detect than those on the surface. In addition, some cancers may be genetically predisposed or related to certain medical conditions. The eye tumor may also spread throughout the lymphatic system. These are called metastatic cancer and can spread from its original site.
A common feature of ocular melanoma tumors is abnormalities on the chromosomes. Chromosomes are a group of genetic units that live in the nucleus of body cells and carry genes that determine the individual’s ancestry. Males have an unequal number of X and Y chromosomes, while females have two X chromosomes.
