Cancer near the eye is often difficult to detect, and the treatment options vary depending on the type of cancer. In most cases, treatment can be successful if the tumor is discovered while it is still small. Other times, the tumor is large enough to invade behind the eye, in which case surgery is necessary. In these cases, treatment options will include surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. This article discusses the most common treatment options. While these options may sound frightening, they do work well in most cases.
Retinoblastoma is the most common childhood cancer and begins in the retina cells. When it starts in the retina, retinoblastoma is often detected by a parent or doctor who notices something abnormal with the child’s eye. Other symptoms of retinoblastoma include vision problems and strabismus, where the eyes look in different directions. Most cancers near the eye originate in the lungs or breasts, and then spread to the uvea.
Melanomas of the eye are extremely rare, but they are more aggressive. Melanomas of the eye can spread through the lymph system and reach distant organs. Other cancers near the eye include orbital and adnexal melanomas, which originate in the tissues surrounding the eyeball. Other cancers of the eye include Rhabdomyosarcoma, which affects the muscles in the eye. Non-Hodgkin lymphomas can also develop near the eye.
Other types of cancer can spread to the eye. These are known as secondary cancer, and the treatment for these diseases is different from primary eye cancer. The most common cancers that spread to the eye are breast, lung, and skin cancer. The least common cancers in the eye include leukemia, thyroid, and kidney. Cancers that spread to the eye can be benign or malignant. Cancer near the eye can be a symptom of other conditions, such as an infection.
The most common type of eyelid cancer is basal cell carcinoma. While the cancer is usually easily removed with surgery, older patients often ignore them until they reach an advanced stage. However, it’s important to seek treatment as soon as possible to prevent the cancer from spreading. There are several types of eyelid cancer, so the type of treatment will depend on where the tumor is located. It’s important to note that basal cell carcinomas almost never spread to distant organs and lymph nodes.
Although skin melanoma is more common, cancer near the eye is still a concern. This type of cancer usually develops in cells that produce melanin – the pigment that gives skin its color. It’s the most common type of eye cancer in adult patients. The tumors in the eye begin in the choroid (a thin layer of blood vessels lining the eye), the iris, and the front of the eye, which contains the retina.
