Eye Cancer: What is it?

Cancer of the eye can impair vision. It gradually deteriorates the eye and overall health. Eye cancer is rare but should be considered when discussing serious eye issues.

Cancer of the eye develops within the eye and spreads to its supporting structures. Eye cancer can be categorized per the primary sites of origin as intraocular, orbital, and adnexal. Cancers that begin inside the eyeball, known as intraocular cancers, are by far the most common and frequently diagnosed type of eye cancer.

Retinoblastoma is the most common malignancy of the eye in children, while melanoma and lymphoma are the most common malignancies of the eye in adults. Cancer that begins in the eye socket or in the tissues surrounding it is called orbital cancer, while cancer that begins in the eyelids and tears glands, is called adnexal cancer.

Since the degree to which eye cancer has progressed greatly affects the effectiveness of treatment, familiarity with the various subtypes of this disease is also crucial.

The likelihood of survival after a diagnosis of eye cancer depends on the tumor type, the stage of the disease, and the patient’s response to treatment. Early diagnosis and appropriate management is the key to supreme outcomes in eye cancer management.

What are the signs of eye cancer?

Early detection of eye cancer may be challenging due to its subtle symptoms. However, common eye cancer symptoms include:

• Eyestrain caused by distracting shadows or bright lights (intraocular)
• An expanding bump on the eyelid or eyeball surface
• Rapid and unexpected blurring or loss of vision
• Eyeball enlargement or protrusion on one side
• Impaired or hazy vision
• Discomfort in or around the eye in the form of pain, redness, and heaviness not resolving with medical management

Causes

Some probable causative factors include:

• Increased exposure to sun and UV rays increases the incidence of adnexal tumors in Asians especially Sebaceous gland malignancy and OSSN(ocular surface squamous neoplasia)
• Uveal melanoma is more likely to occur in people with light-colored eyes
• Age increases the likelihood of developing eye cancer
• Eye cancer is more likely to develop in people with inherited predisposing factors, such as dysplastic nevus syndrome
• The presence of a family history of melanomas is also a significant risk factor

Treatment

The treatment for eye cancer depends on various factors. The options available for eye cancer treatment are radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and surgery. The treatment line depends on the location and type of eye cancer that the patient is suffering from. In patients presenting at an early stage, meticulous surgery by the best ophthalmic plastic surgeon following all oncology principles with the use of the right technologies is curable. But in certain malignancies, a combined approach is mandatory to make the patient tumor free.

If it is the best quality ophthalmic care you seek, wait no more. Get in touch with Dr. Surbhi Kapadia today. Visit Aadicura super speciality hospital and book an appointment at (+91) 8980500015 for the most ethical and accurate advice for your eye concerns.