Eye Cancer: Types, Risks & Treatment Options
Eye Cancer: Types, Risks & Treatment Options
Over the years, medical care in India has improved significantly in detecting and managing various diseases. When it comes to the most precious organ, the eye, affordable routine check-ups have made it easier to diagnose chronic and minor illnesses. Still, cancers affecting the eye remain rare and are often diagnosed at a late stage. Because many people and doctors are unfamiliar with eye cancers, subtle symptoms may be missed until the disease advances.
What Is Eye Cancer?
Eye cancer, also called ocular cancer, is the abnormal growth of malignant cells in or around the eye. It can develop in various parts, including the retina, uvea, or conjunctiva. Although rare, it can affect vision and, in severe cases, spread to other parts of the body.
Types of Eye Cancer
Here are the most common types of eye cancer:
Retinoblastoma
Retinoblastoma is a rare disease that primarily affects children under the age of five. Originating in the retina, it can be unilateral, affecting only one eye, or bilateral, affecting both. If you notice a white reflection in the pupil, eye bulging, or persistent vision problems, it may be a sign of the onset of retinoblastoma. The key cause of this disease is a mutation in the RB1 gene.
Uveal Melanoma
Uveal melanoma occurs in the middle layer of the eye, where the iris, ciliary body, and choroid are found. However, the majority of melanomas develop in the choroid. Uveal melanoma is accompanied by symptoms like vision changes, light flashes, or a dark spot in the eye. What's more concerning is that this cancer can affect the liver as well.
Conjunctival Melanoma
Originating on the conjunctiva, the thin membrane covering the white part of the eye, the initial symptoms of this cancer include irritation and redness. Once the condition worsens, you will notice a black or brown pigmented lesion.
Basal Cell Carcinoma
It is basically a skin cancer that can spread to the eyelid. If someone contracts this condition, you will notice a small, pearly bump on the skin. Although slow-growing and rarely spreading to other body parts, timely treatment is important.
Sebaceous Carcinoma
As the name suggests, the source of this cancer is the sebaceous glands, which are responsible for producing sebum, a type of oil, in the skin. It usually affects the eyelid and is accompanied by symptoms like a painless lump on the eyelid, which, over time, can turn red or swell.
Rhabdomyosarcoma
This orbital malignancy is common in children and can arise from embryonic muscle cells. It is known for causing sudden proptosis, eyelid swelling, or restricted eye movement.
Medulloepithelioma
Medulloepithelioma is a rare childhood eye tumour that occurs in the ciliary body epithelium. It is commonly seen in patients under the age of ten and can be either benign or malignant. Someone dealing with medulloepithelioma may experience symptoms such as eye pain, decreased vision, and visible white or grey masses in the anterior chamber. As the condition progresses, cataracts and glaucoma are common.
Risk Factors You Should Know
Some of the common factors that put you at risk of eye cancer are:
• Gene mutation is the most common risk. If someone in your family has a history of an RB1 mutation, there is a high likelihood that it will be passed to the next generation, potentially causing retinoblastoma.
• Prolonged exposure to ultraviolet rays increases the risk of developing uveal melanoma. This is because UV radiation damages the DNA of uveal tract cells and results in their abnormal growth.
• Individuals with light-coloured eyes, such as blue, green, or grey, are at high risk. Lighter irises contain less melanin, which protects eye tissues from harmful ultraviolet radiation.
• Individuals with weakened immune systems, whether due to organ transplants, long-term immunosuppressive drugs, or diseases like HIV, face a higher risk of eye cancers such as lymphoma of the eye.
• The type of occupation you are in also increases the risk of eye cancer. For example, if you are a welder, the UV and infrared radiation emitted during welding can damage ocular tissues.
Common Symptoms and Warning Signs
Some of the most common warning signs of eye cancer symptoms are:
• Sudden or gradual loss of vision in one eye, as the tumour blocks light from reaching the retina and disrupts the processing of images.
• In some eye cancers, you may notice a white or silvery reflection in the pupil, especially when someone clicks a photograph with a flash.
• When the tumour mass grows, you may feel a bulge behind the eyeballs.
• Persistent eye pain may also occur.
• When the tumour presses or irritates the retinal tissue, it sends abnormal electrical signals to the brain. As a result, you may notice sudden streaks or sparks of light.
How Eye Cancer Is Diagnosed
To diagnose eye cancer, ophthalmologists may advise the following, depending on the patient’s complaint:
Visual Examination
In the initial screening, your ophthalmologist will conduct a visual examination. They will check the eye's external and internal structures using a slit lamp and ophthalmoscope. Visual assessment can help detect unusual growths, retinal detachment, or changes in the optic nerve.
Ultrasound Imaging
This is recommended for patients complaining of eye melanomas. In ultrasonic imaging, the radiologist places a small probe against the closed eyelid or directly on the eye's surface after applying anaesthetic drops. The probe emits high-frequency sound waves that bounce off internal structures and create detailed images.
Optical Coherence Tomography
OCT is a non-invasive imaging technique that uses light waves to capture high-resolution, cross-sectional images of the retina and optic nerve.
Fluorescein Angiography
In this method, the doctor injects a fluorescent dye into a vein, which travels to the blood vessels in the eye. A special camera then captures images as the dye circulates through the eye's blood vessels. This procedure helps identify abnormal blood vessel growth or leakage.
Biopsy Procedures
In a biopsy, doctors use a thin needle to extract a small sample of fluid or tissue from the eye to identify if there are any cancerous cells. Another biopsy procedure involves surgical removal of a portion tumour for further analysis.
Treatment Options Available
Some of the effective cancer treatment options include:
• Surgery:
Surgical intervention is the first line of treatment, especially for small tumours. The surgeon removes the tumour along with a margin of healthy tissue to ensure complete excision.
• Brachytherapy:
In this, a radioactive plaque is directly placed onto the eye tumour. Ideal for treating intraocular melanomas, the plaque used in brachytherapy is made of gold and contains radioactive seeds, such as iodine-125.
• Gamma Knife:
It is a non-invasive radiosurgery technique that uses focused gamma radiation beams to treat eye tumours. Doctors opt for this procedure if the tumour is located near the optic nerve.
Other treatment options include proton therapy, cryotherapy, and immunotherapy.
How Health Insurance Can Help
If you have health insurance that covers critical illnesses like eye cancer, your insurer will take care of inpatient hospitalisation, pre- and post-medical expenses, and pharmacy bills. The health insurer will also cover the diagnostic tests recommended by a registered ophthalmologist.
With critical illness insurance, you have the option to avail of cashless medical treatment at hospitals with which your insurer has a tie-up. The cashless facility is available up to the sum insured, and any excess must be borne out of your pocket. If the nearby hospital is not on your insurer’s empanelment list, you can get treatment by paying upfront and, after discharge, submit your claim request within the specified time frame along with the discharge summary, prescription, and diagnostic report.
Prevention and Regular Screening
While regular eye checkups and genetic testing are important to detect early signs of eye cancer, there are some ways to reduce the risk of developing cancer:
• Try to shield yourself from harmful UV rays. Wear sunglasses that block 99% to 100% of both UVA and UVB rays. You may also opt for a wrap-around style to protect the eyes and surrounding skin. A wide-brimmed hat can provide additional protection.
• Add foods rich in vitamins A, C, and E, as well as selenium and zinc. These nutrients help combat oxidative stress and protect against cellular damage.
• Limit alcohol consumption, as it is known to impair the body's ability to repair DNA damage, leading to mutations that may contribute to cancer development.
• Engage in regular physical activity to maintain a healthy weight, improve circulation, and boost your immune system, all of which are associated with a reduced risk of cancer.
Conclusion
Although not as common as other cancer types, eye cancer, if not detected or treated early, can become life-threatening. To help prevent this condition, it is important to undergo regular health check-ups, shield your eyes from UV radiation by wearing sunglasses, eat foods rich in antioxidants, and maintain an active lifestyle that includes regular exercise.
While prevention is not always possible if the root cause is a genetic mutation, having medical insurance online is highly recommended. Health insurance provides financial coverage for hefty hospitalisation charges, as well as pre- and post-medical expenses and diagnostic bills.
FAQs
Can eye cancer cause blindness?
Yes, if the condition is left untreated, the growth of the tumour or sometimes the side effects of therapy can result in vision loss. In the worst case, where the doctor has to remove the eye to prevent malignancy, blindness can occur.
What is the survival rate of eye cancer?
The survival rate depends on the type and stage of the cancer. For example, retinoblastoma, common in children, has a high survival rate, while uveal melanoma, which can spread to the liver, is challenging to treat.
What are the treatment options for eye cancer?
Depending on the cancer type, your doctor may advise undergoing surgery, radiation, laser, chemotherapy, or targeted therapy sessions. In the case of advanced cancer, doctors may opt for enucleation, which means the removal of the eye.
Is eye cancer preventable?
While not always preventable, there are ways to reduce the risks that cause eye cancer. For example, make a habit of wearing UV-protective sunglasses, book regular eye check-up appointments, and consider genetic counselling if your family has a history of retinoblastoma.
Are there non-cancerous eye tumours?
Yes, benign tumours like nevi (moles) or cysts on the eyes are common. Although they are usually harmless, it is important to have them checked regularly to prevent them from developing into malignant ones.
Disclaimer: The above information is for illustrative purposes only. For more details, please refer to the policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.
This blog provides general information and discussions about health and related subjects. The information and other content provided in this blog, website or any linked materials are not intended and should not be considered or used as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Kindly contact your doctor before starting a new medicine or health regimen.
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