Eye Cancer Definition, Reason, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
Understanding
Eye cancer is a condition where there is malignancy in one of the eye structures. This condition can occur due to the emergence of cancer cells primarily in one of the eye structures, as well as the spread of other types of cancer to the eye organs.
There are several types of eye cancer that can occur. These include eye melanoma, eye carcinoma, eye lymphoma, and retinoblastoma (eye cancer found in children).
Melanoma of the eye, for example, is a type of cancer that arises from pigment-producing cells, called melanocytes. Most melanomas generally arise on the skin, but they can also appear on other parts of the body such as the eyes.
Reason
Eye cancer can be caused by various things, depending on the type that occurs. For example, melanoma of the eye, which can occur when cells that produce eye pigment divide and multiply very quickly. This can lead to the formation of lumps of tissue called tumors.
Although the exact cause of this is not known, several factors are thought to increase the risk of developing eye melanoma, including:
- Lighter iris color. Someone with a blue, gray, or green iris color has a higher chance of experiencing eye melanoma than someone with a brown iris color.
- White or pale skin. Melanoma of the eye most often occurs in individuals with fair skin and is more common in individuals with light skin.
- Unusual moles. Someone who has a mole with an irregular shape or an unusual color has a higher risk of developing skin cancer and melanoma of the eye.
- Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays. Someone who experiences high exposure to UV rays also has a higher risk of developing melanoma.
- Age. The risk of developing eye melanoma also increases with age. Most patients with eye melanoma are diagnosed around the age of 50.
Symptom
Signs and symptoms of eye cancer depend on the type of eye cancer that occurs. Often, the signs and symptoms of eye cancer are not very clear or mimic other clinical conditions.
Some examples of signs and symptoms that can arise in eye cancer are:
- Shadows, flashes of light, or slanted lines of vision
- Blurred vision
- Black spots on enlarged eyes
- Partial or complete loss of vision
- Enlargement of one eye
- Lumps on the eyelids or inside the eye that are getting bigger
- Pain in or around the eye, although this is rare
These signs and symptoms can also be caused by other minor eye conditions and do not always indicate eye cancer. However, it is still very important to consult a doctor directly if you experience these things for further evaluation. Especially if the signs that occur are increasingly disturbing daily activities.
Diagnosis
Establishing a diagnosis of eye cancer is generally done with a detailed medical interview, direct physical eye examination, and certain supporting examinations. A physical examination of the eye can be done to observe the structure of the eye in more detail and see signs of abnormalities in the eyeball and surrounding tissues.
Some of the supporting examinations that can be carried out are:
- Ultrasonography (USG). Ultrasound of the eye is an examination using sound waves to create an image of the inside of the eye. This examination helps the doctor to visualize the structures in the eye and evaluate the position and size of the tumor.
- Fluorescein angiogram. In this inspection, a photographic process will be carried out in the disturbed area with a special camera. Previously, a chemical will be injected first into the bloodstream to clarify the appearance of the tumor.
- Biopsy. Sometimes, doctors also need a biopsy examination, which is through inserting a thin needle to remove a small sample of tumor tissue. The genetic information contained in these cells can be analyzed to indicate the possibility of spread or recurrence of the tumor.
Treatment
Treatment for eye cancer depends on many things, including the type, size, and location of the cancer. Treatment will aim to save the affected eye as much as possible.
Some of the techniques for treating eye cancer can include radiotherapy, chemotherapy, surgery to remove the tumor or part of the eye. Apart from that, removal of the eyeball or enucleation can also be done.
Prevention
Prevention of eye cancer can not always be done with specific steps. Prevention of eye melanoma, for example, can be done by avoiding excessive exposure to UV light. Protect your eyes when you are outdoors with a wide hat and adequate sunglasses.