If you suspect that you have a cancer near the eye, you should make an appointment with your doctor as soon as possible. Thankfully, most basal cell carcinomas are curable when they are small and noninvasive. Unfortunately, some patients do not recognize the tumor as cancer and allow it to invade behind the eye. To ensure your best chance of treatment, a combination of surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy may be necessary. However, the good news is that most types of cancer near the eye are curable when discovered in the early stages.
The most common type of cancer in the eye is primary. Metastatic cancers typically originate from other parts of the body and spread to the eye. Primary cancers are typically breast and lung cancer in women and prostate cancer in men. Secondary cancers may spread to the eye through the skin, kidney, colon, thyroid, or thyroid. Less common forms of metastatic cancer include leukemia and renal cell carcinoma. Tumors in the orbit can be benign or malignant. If you suspect you have cancer near the eye, your doctor will first determine if it is primary or metastatic.
Another type of cancer that can affect the eye is mucosa-associated lymphoma (MALT). This form of B-cell lymphoma begins in the tissues surrounding the eye. It often manifests itself as a salmon-colored growth in the eye. Treatment for this type of cancer may include radiation therapy or chemotherapy to decrease the risk of ocular toxicity. If you have cancer near the eye, it’s important to see a doctor as soon as possible.
The most common type of eye cancer in children is retinoblastic. Usually diagnosed before age five, this type of cancer develops in the retina of the eye. If you notice excessive tearing, bloody tears, or frequent nosebleeds, your healthcare provider will prescribe a treatment plan. Treatment will involve chemotherapy, which is a systemic cancer treatment. This form of cancer will often cause eye damage, but it is usually curable.
Some types of eye cancer can be difficult to detect, particularly if they are unrecognized or rare. Some tumors can appear in different parts of the eye, such as the cornea and iris. Some may develop in the surrounding skin. Other types are categorized as metastatic cancer, which spreads to other parts of the body. However, it is difficult to diagnose this type of cancer without a doctor’s help.
Although the most common type of eye cancer is melanoma, there are other types that start in different parts of the body. These types of cancer are called primary intraocular cancers. Childhood cancers are discussed under Retinoblastoma. The second type is called intraocular malignancy. However, it is important to seek a doctor’s care if you notice any of these symptoms. There are also some rare forms of cancer of the eye that isn’t life-threatening.
While you may have a risk factor for eye cancer, you can minimize your risk by visiting an ophthalmologist regularly. This medical professional specializes in eye care and can detect abnormal moles and skin growth around the eye. Wear sunglasses and protective eyewear whenever outside, and visit your doctor if you notice a change in your vision. Although eye cancer is rare, it is highly treatable when found early. Your doctor will examine your eyes using a silt lamp (a light source that emits a narrow beam of light) and an indirect ophthalmoscope (which provides a clear view of the inside of the eye). They will also look for any mass in the eye. The mass may be dome-shaped, elevated, or flat.
