These cells are responsible for seeing images and are connected to the brain by the optic nerve. Light comes into the eye and passes through the lens, making an image on the retina. The optic nerve sends the image to the brain. Other structures in the eyeball, such as the orbit, house important nerves and muscles that move the eye.
Some types of cancer can occur in the skin near the eye, including basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. Depending on the type of cancer, the eyelid may show a thickened or persistent eyelid. These types of cancer rarely spread, but if they do, they may need to be removed surgically. Merkel cell carcinoma is a more aggressive type of cancer that originates in the touch receptors of the eyelid. It often presents itself as a rapidly growing mass near the eye.
In most cases, the cancer near the eye is a secondary type, meaning it spread from somewhere else in the body. Primary type cancers are retinoblastoma in children, while secondary type cancers develop in the eye from elsewhere in the body. Most commonly, the cancer is spread from the breast or lung, but it can also originate in the skin, colon or thyroid. Once in the eye, it can cause pain and vision loss, so it is important to see a doctor as soon as possible.
If the cancer near eye is detected early, treatment may be successful. It is possible to cure most cases of basal cell cancer. Occasionally, patients deny the presence of a tumor, allowing the tumor to invade behind the eye. These patients may require surgery and chemotherapy. The treatment will depend on the stage of the cancer and the patient’s overall health. Despite the numerous risks, the most common outcome of surgery is a complete cure.
Some types of eye cancer are melanoma and lymphoma, which affect the outer part of the eye. Others are called intraocular cancers, and start in other parts of the body and spread in the eye. Retinoblastoma affects young children and is most likely to spread to the eye. Other types of eye cancer can occur at any age. The treatment of cancer near the eye depends on the type of cancer and its stage.
Many people develop eye cancer without experiencing symptoms. The symptoms include sudden changes in vision, new spots or dark circles in the eye, or a change in color and size. However, early detection is crucial for the treatment of eye cancer. Therefore, it is essential for people to have annual eye exams in order to prevent the occurrence of cancer near the eye. If you suspect that your eye has cancer, you should see your doctor as soon as possible.
When diagnosed, doctors may perform various imaging tests to determine the type of cancer. Some patients have a tumor on the eye that has a swollen eyelid. These images may show other areas of the body that contain tumors. If the cancer is larger than 10 millimeters, doctors may recommend surgery to remove it. This may require removal of part or all of the eye. In some cases, high-energy lasers may be used to destroy the cancer cells. This, however, may damage the healthy tissue in the eye.
