There are several methods of radiation therapy, including brachytherapy, endocurietherapy, and sealed source radiotherapy. In brachytherapy, a small device with radioactive material is inserted into the eye socket and secured to the outer surface of the eye.
Sometimes eye tumors show up on the conjunctiva and sclera, the clear tissue that covers the white part of the eye. Other tumors can be internal, making them hard to detect. While sudden eye growths are usually caused by a virus, they can also be a symptom of infection or inflammation. These lesions can be related to a medical condition or genetics. However, they should always be investigated.
The most common form of eyelid cancer is basal cell carcinoma, which forms on the lower eyelid. This type of eyelid cancer can also affect the conjunctiva (the layer of tissue that covers the eye), iris, and cornea. While the symptoms vary greatly from person to person, most are treatable if found early. The eyelid is the most sensitive area of the body, so it is essential to treat it early.
A specialist eye doctor will examine your eyes to detect cancer in the eye. They will ask you about any symptoms you are experiencing, check your eye for movement, and use a magnifying glass or a special lens. They may also recommend surgery to remove a portion or the entire eye. If the tumor is large enough, doctors may recommend radiation therapy. In radiation therapy, high-energy X-ray beams are focused on the cancer, destroying it while sparing healthy cells.
When the cancer is located near the eye, it is often a secondary form. The cancer cells spread from another part of the body, such as the breast or lung. The cancer cells may also spread to other parts of the body, including the spinal cord or bones. If you have this type of cancer, it is important to seek treatment quickly, so that the cancer does not spread beyond the eye. You may have cancer near the eye irritates or causes pain.
Non-cancerous eye tumors are benign and don’t spread to other parts of the body. They may appear in the eyelid or on the eye wall. Some of these tumours are pigmented lesions within the eye. Other types are choroidal hemangiomas, which are cancers of the blood vessels around the eye. Although non-cancerous eye tumors are common in adults, a cancer near the eye may affect your vision.
Most non-melanoma skin cancers near the eye can be treated with surgery. Dermatologists perform Mohs surgery, which involves removal of the tumor with the aid of an optical microscope. Unlike other methods of skin cancer treatment, this surgical procedure spares the most healthy tissue and leaves a minimal scar. It is a highly effective treatment that is associated with high cure rates. If the cancer is detected early, it may be easy to treat.