Orbital rhabdomyosarcoma (MALT) develops in the soft tissue around the eye. It is most commonly found in children, though it can also occur in adults and the elderly. Early detection of this cancer is critical for a successful outcome.
There are two types of eye cancer. The first is retinoblastic, which typically starts in the womb and develops in a child’s first few years of life. This type of cancer usually doesn’t spread to other parts of the body, but it can affect the eyelid or conjunctiva. Exposure to wind or ultraviolet rays from the sun can cause a tumor to form.
When you suspect a cancer near the eye, you should schedule an appointment with an ophthalmologist, a doctor who specializes in eye problems. Your doctor will ask about your medical history, including any risk factors. He or she may also look at any moles or growths near the eye. Depending on the type of eye cancer, you may need to undergo several tests to determine the exact type of treatment. Your doctor may recommend fluorescein angiography if you have any of these symptoms or are at a higher risk for developing eye cancer.
Surgery is another treatment for cancer near the eye. Radiation therapy can destroy cancer cells and tissue in the eye, and it may be used to shrink the tumor. There are different types of radiation therapy, including Mohs microsurgery and frozen section control. These procedures involve inserting a radioactive material on a plaque. This plaque is then inserted into the eye socket and secured to the outside. This procedure may require radiation, surgery, or both.
Sebaceous cell cancer is the most common type of eyelid cancer. It develops in the oil glands in the skin and is more aggressive than basal cell cancer. It may cause eyelid inflammation or thickening. Basal cell cancers grow locally, rarely spreading beyond the eye. Melanomas and squamous cell carcinomas, however, can spread to other organs, including the lymph nodes. In addition to surgery, your doctor may recommend a sentinel lymph node biopsy to detect any signs of metastasis.
If you suspect you have cancer near your eye, it is important to have it diagnosed by a doctor. A doctor will ask about your symptoms, check your vision, and evaluate your eye with a magnifying glass. He or she may also order an MRI or ultrasound to evaluate your eye’s structure. If the tumor is located on the skin, a sample of it will be sent to a pathologist to determine whether it’s cancerous or not.
Secondary cancer occurs when cancer from elsewhere in the body spreads to the eye. In men, this is lung cancer, while in women, breast cancer is the most common. Other types of cancer may spread to the eye, including cancer of the skin, kidney, colon, and thyroid. Cancer near the eye can be benign or malignant. However, when it is metastatic, treatment options may vary significantly. In any case, it’s vital to seek medical treatment immediately.
