Most common sites are the eyelids and the eye. The eyelids are the thinnest and most sensitive skin on the body, so they are also among the most vulnerable to cancer. The eyelids contain about 5-10 percent of all skin cancers, and most are basal cell carcinomas. Although basal cell carcinomas do not spread far, other types of eyelid cancer, such as sebaceous gland carcinomas, are more aggressive. Malignant melanoma, on the other hand, can spread to distant sites, including lymph nodes.
Cancer develops when cells inside the eye start to grow abnormally and form tumors. This happens in the uvea, which is made up of three parts: the colored part of the eye, the ciliary body, and the choroid layer, which supplies blood to the eye. The tumor begins in the choroid layer, which is where the blood supply to the eye starts. Once this form of cancer develops, it can invade other parts of the body and cause severe damage.
While most basal cell carcinomas are curable if they are caught early, some patients ignore the problem, let it spread, or allow it to become larger and more difficult to remove. Once this stage has passed, cancer near the eye may need radiation therapy, surgery, or chemotherapy. However, it is essential to note that radiation therapy can cause serious side effects that can complicate the recovery process. If the tumor is large enough, surgery may be the only option, while other cancers require other treatments.
Primary and secondary intraocular cancers are the most common, although there are other types of cancer that may spread to the eye. These cancers are known as retinoblastoma in children, and melanoma in adults. Children are the most commonly affected by retinoblastoma, which begins in cells in the retina. In addition, about 500 children are diagnosed with this disease every year in the United States. As it grows, it may result in increased pain and loss of vision.
In adults, most cases of cancer near the eye start in the melanocytes that produce melanin, the pigment that gives our skin and hair its colour. This type of eye cancer is known as intraocular melanoma. Its second type is lymphoma. Rarely, squamous cell carcinoma, basal cell carcinoma, and sebaceous cell cancer can develop. Cancer near the eye is dangerous and should be checked by a doctor as soon as symptoms arise.
Treatment for cancer near the eye involves two steps: complete removal of the cancer and reconstruction, usually involving suturing edges together, or grafted skin. Radiation is sometimes used to treat eyelid cancers, which can be more aggressive than the eyelid itself. Early removal of eyelid skin cancer reduces the risk of recurrence, but it is important to follow-up and receive regular examinations. The cancer can recur if left untreated, and treatment options may vary between patients.
