Symptoms of cancer near eye may vary from person to person. Although the exact cause of eye cancer is not known, it is a type of lymphoma. Lymph nodes are organs that carry waste away from the body. The lymphatic system is located throughout the body, including near the eyes. Cancer near the eye can originate in these lymph nodes. Symptoms of cancer near eye may include a dark spot on the eye or a lump on the eyelid.
One of the most common types of cancer near eye is uveal melanoma. This cancer develops when cells that produce pigment in the eye become cancerous. The uvea is made up of three main sections. The choroid is located in the back of the eye under the retina. Although this type of cancer rarely causes symptoms, if the tumor spreads to the choroid, it could result in blurred vision or flashes.
Another type of cancer near eye is melanoma, or skin cancer. This type of cancer is much more common on the lower eyelid because of its more exposed nature. Early detection is critical as this type of cancer can spread and result in significant vision problems. A typical eyelid melanoma tumor usually spreads rapidly from one part of the body to another. However, if you suspect a mole in your eyelid, make an appointment with a doctor right away.
Most basal cell carcinomas can be cured when they are small. However, some patients choose to deny or ignore the cancer and allow it to spread behind the eye. Eventually, the cancer becomes more difficult to remove and may require radiation therapy and chemotherapy. For this reason, a thorough examination is necessary. There are also several types of treatments for cancer near eye. These may include chemotherapy, surgery, or a combination of treatments.
Radiation therapy is another option for treating cancer near the eye. Depending on the size of the tumor, the surgeon may remove a portion or even the entire eyeball. The eyeball may need to be reconstructed, which could affect a person’s vision. Different types of radiation therapy can be used to treat cancer near eye. One type of radiation therapy involves focusing high-energy X-ray beams on the cancer. Another option is to insert a disk containing radioactive seeds inside the eye. The radiation is designed to destroy cancer cells while preserving its appearance and function.
A type of skin cancer that is often mistaken for a chronic eye infection is sebaceous carcinoma. It can spread to regional lymph nodes, so it is important to undergo a sentinel lymph node biopsy to check for any signs of disease spread. Merkel cell carcinoma, on the other hand, is rare but aggressive. It starts in the eyelid’s touch receptors and grows rapidly. A patient with this type of cancer should receive aggressive treatment to minimize its chances of spreading.
The most common symptom of eye cancer is a change in vision. Some people may experience flashes of light or a new dark spot on one eye. Sometimes, eye cancer will have no early signs, but the earlier it is discovered, the better the outlook for treatment. A patient with eye cancer should have a yearly eye exam to monitor any changes. And if the cancer is detected in its early stages, the cure is likely.
