Eye Cancer: Understanding, cause, and symptoms
Understanding
Eye cancer is a condition of malignancy in one eye structure. This condition can occur due to the emergence of cancer cells primarily in one eye structure, 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).
Eye melanoma, for example, is a type of cancer that arises from cells that produce pigments, called melanocytes. Most melanomas generally occur on the skin, but can also occur in other body parts such as the eyes.
Cause
Eye cancer can be caused by various things, depending on the type that occurs. For example, melanoma in the eye that can occur when cells that produce eye pigments divide and multiply very quickly. This can cause the formation of clumps of tissue called tumors.Although the exact cause of this is not known with certainty, several factors are thought to increase the risk of eye melanoma, including:
- The color of the iris is younger. A person with blue, gray, or green iris has a higher chance of having eye melanoma than those who have brown iris.
- White or pale skin. Eye melanoma is most common in individuals with white skin and is more common in individuals with light skin.
- Unusual moles. A person who has moles with irregular or unusual colors has a higher risk of developing skin cancer and eye melanoma.
- Ultraviolet (UV) exposure. A person who has high exposure to UV light also has a higher risk of developing melanoma.
- Age. The risk of developing eye melanoma also increases with age. Most eye melanoma patients are diagnosed around the age of 50 years.
Symptoms
Signs and symptoms of eye cancer depend on the type of eye cancer that occurs. Often, eye cancer signs and symptoms are not very clear or resemble other clinical conditions.Some examples of signs and symptoms that can arise in eye cancer are:
- Shadows, flashes of light, or lines that are tilted at sight
- Blurred vision
- Black spots on enlarged eyes
- Partial or complete visual loss
- Enlargement of one eye
- Lumps on the eyelids or in the eyes that are getting bigger
- Pain in or around the eyes, although rare
These signs and symptoms can also be caused by other minor conditions in the eye 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 seem to interfere with daily activities.
Also Read : How to Prevent Eye Cance
Diagnosis
Making a diagnosis of eye cancer is generally done with detailed medical interviews, direct physical eye examinations, and certain investigations. Eye examination can be done to observe the eye structure in more detail and see signs of abnormalities in the eyeball and surrounding tissue.Some of the supporting investigations that can be done are:
- Ultrasonography (USG). Eye ultrasound is an examination using sound waves to cause imaging of the inside of the eye. This examination helps the doctor to visualize the structure in the eye and evaluate the position and size of the tumor.
- Fluorescein angiogram . In this inspection, the photographic process will be carried out in the affected area with a special camera. Previously, a chemical would be injected first into the bloodstream to clarify the tumor picture.
- Biopsy. Sometimes, doctors also need a biopsy examination, which is through the installation of a thin needle to remove a small sample of tumor tissue. Genetic information contained in these cells can be analyzed to indicate the possibility of spread or recurrence of the tumor.
Handling
Handling of eye cancer depends on various things, including the type, size, and location of the cancer that occurs. Handling will aim to save the affected eye as much as possible.Some techniques for treating eye cancer can include radiotherapy, chemotherapy, surgery to remove a tumor or part of the eye. In addition it can also be done by removing the eyeball or enucleation.
Prevention
Prevention of eye cancer cannot 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 doing activities outdoors with a wide hat and adequate sunglasess .