If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it may be a sign of cancer near your eye. The good news is that if you are diagnosed with cancer near your eye, it can often be removed surgically. However, as cancer continues to grow, repair becomes harder. In this case, the best treatment is to seek medical attention. Ophthalmologists typically use a slit lamp to examine the eye, which allows them to visually evaluate any suspicious growths. The ophthalmologist will likely perform a biopsy to determine whether it is cancerous.
A chalazion is a swollen bump on the eyelid. It develops when the oil glands in the eyelid clog. Sometimes, it pressurizes the eye, affecting vision. Chalazions are not painful and usually develop further back on the eyelid than stye does. They also rarely cause a full-blown infection. If you notice any of these symptoms, you should visit your doctor to ensure that you do not have any other underlying health conditions.
When a cancer near the eye occurs on the eyelid, it may be squamous or basal cell carcinoma. Basal cell carcinomas account for 90% of all skin cancers around the eye. Squamous cell carcinomas, meanwhile, are rare. They can grow slowly but are less common. In addition to irritating the eye, they can invade the tear drain or eye socket, where they can be more difficult to remove.
If you have any of these symptoms, you should visit your doctor immediately. It is important to see your ophthalmologist, as cancer near the eye can cause similar symptoms. If your doctor notices a lump, he or she will probably recommend surgery. If the cancer does not spread, you may only experience other symptoms. You may even notice that you have elevated intraocular pressure. If these symptoms are persistent, you should schedule an appointment with an ophthalmologist.
Fluorescein angiography is another treatment option. Fluorescein is a colored dye that is injected into a vein in the arm and travels to the eye’s blood vessels. Using a small camera equipped with special filters, a doctor can take pictures of the eye. The dye enables the doctor to create a picture of the structures of the eye, including whether or not there is any cancer.
Sebaceous carcinoma occurs in middle-aged to elderly people and may mimic a chalazion or chronic bilateral blepharitis. This type of cancer may spread to regional lymph nodes and distant organs, including the lungs and bone. It is highly aggressive and may require surgery to remove orbital contents. The treatment is similar to that for basal cell cancer. A biopsy can be helpful in determining whether a tumor has spread to the eye.
