Eye cancer | Uveal Melanomas | Retinoblastoma

Eye cancer usually starts in the cells which are inside your eyeball and nearby structures like eyelids and tear ducts. Usually, any form of eye cancer will be extremely rare. Some of the common types are uveal melanomas which generally start in the middle part of your eye called uvea and retinoblastoma. Usually, treatments for this type of cancer are radiation therapy called brachytherapy and also it includes surgery.

Generally, eye cancer has different rare types of cancers but any type of eye cancers typically start to grow the tumor in your eye and in your eyeball and mainly in the structures which are surrounded by your eyeball. Typically, eye cancer starts when cells in your body multiply out of your control then it forms a tumor. It may be benign or malignant. Unlike the benign (noncancerous) tumors, malignant (cancerous) tumors can grow and it can spread to your whole body.

Early diagnosis and treatment for eye cancer mostly prevent the spread.

Symptoms of eye cancer

People who are affected with eye cancer won’t experience any symptoms until a tumor interferes with the working of the eye by growing tumors largely. If you have any symptoms does not mean that you have eye cancer. Many non cancerous eye conditions which are sharing symptoms of eye cancer.  You must see a healthcare provider for confirmation.  Common symptoms of eye cancer is vision loss which is painless. Some other signs of eye cancer are:

• Blurry vision.

• Vision loss - either partially or completely.

• Any chance of seeing flashes of light, squiggly lines or spots.

Other signs and symptoms are:

• A bulging eye.

• Eye irritation which does not improve.

• A dark spot in your iris part which gradually grows bigger.

• A growing lump which presents on your eyelid part or in your eyeball part.

• Some changes in your eyeball positions and how it moves.

Causes of eye cancer

Generally, eye cancer has different rare types of cancers but any type of eye cancers typically start to grow the tumor in your eye and in your eyeball and mainly in the structures which are surrounded by your eyeball. Typically, eye cancer starts when cells in your body multiply out of your control then it forms a tumor. Some pieces of tumor can break and it spreads to your lymph nodes and bloodstream. Usually cancer cells can travel to other parts of your body through your bloodstream and lymphatic system which causes new tumors to form in other parts of your body. Because of this, your provider says that your cancer has spread and metastasized which is a sign of more advanced disease.

Diagnosis

Usually, the diagnostic process for eye cancer typically starts with a regular visit to an eye specialist. After seeing your medical history, your provider will do an eye exam which includes the following:

• checking your vision level

• Evaluate the eye movements 

• Using equipment like ophthalmoscope or use a slit lamp to look inside of your eye

If the above eye examination suggests eye cancer, they order some additional imaging tests to get a better look of your eyes and its surrounding tissues. Some of the tests are:

• ultrasound, uses sound waves to take the images of the eye

• optical coherence tomography, uses a noninvasive ultrasound device which helps to provide a real-time and cross-sectional view of the retina part of your eye

• fluorescein angiography uses a fluorescent dye to help your provider to identify the abnormal blood vessel growth or other health conditions which affects the eye

• CT scan helps to take cross-sectional images of your body by taking a sets of  X-rays

• MRI scan uses strong magnets and some radio waves which helps to create images

Treatment

Usually, treatment for eye cancer will depend on many factors which includes:

• the specific type of eye cancer

• the stage of the eye cancer

• the size and location of the cancer

• Find one or both eyes are affected

• how vision will be preserved

• your age and overall health

• Preference for infants or young children and parent or guardian

Some of the treatment types which might be suggested for you:

Radiation therapy: This therapy uses ionizing radiations to kill the cancer cells. For eye cancer, in two ways:

• Plaque therapy

• External beam radiation

Laser therapy:This therapy uses a laser to kill the cancer cells. It can also be used as an additional treatment after plaque therapy.

Cryotherapy: it uses extreme cold which helps to kill cancer cells.

Chemotherapy: This therapy uses drugs which usually disrupts the growth and division of cancer cells. Chemotherapy for eye cancer might be administered to blood vessels using a catheter which enters to the eye, or it may be injected through the conventional intravenous (IV) route.

Surgery: this will help to remove only the tumor or it may remove the entire eye.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Is Eye cancer curable?

Ans: Eye cancer may not be curable. However, its growth within your eyeball can be contained.

Q2. What age does eye cancer start?

Ans: The average age for diagnosis of eye cancer is 55.

Q3. What causes eye cancer?

Ans: Sun and UV exposure has been linked to a higher risk of squamous cell carcinoma of the eye. 

Q4. Who is at risk for eye cancer?

Ans: Eye cancer occurs more in people with light hair and/or light eyes.

Q5. How do cancer eyes look like?

Ans: shadows, flashes of light, or wiggly lines in your vision. blurred vision. a dark patch in your eye that's getting bigger. partial or total loss of vision.