Eye Cancer or Eye Cancer in Panama
What is eye cancer?
Eye cancer is nothing more than the development of a tumor that begins and grows in and around the eye; made up of atypical cells that spread rapidly and uncontrollably.
In particular, the cancer cells that cause eye cancer They can spread to the liver (metastasis). That is why it is extremely important to make an early diagnosis and approach.
Causes of Eye Cancer
Among the most common causes of eye cancer are:
- On sun exposure. A significant incidence of cases of eyelid tumors is related to people over 40 years of age who have been constantly exposed to the sun’s rays.
- Skin color. Fair-skinned people increase the rate of probability of suffering from this disease.
- Skin disorders. Dysplastic nevus syndrome is a disorder that develops moles abnormally and predisposes to the development of melanoma on the skin and eyes.
- Genetic mutations. Relay generations can inherit genes that increase vulnerability to developing an eye tumor.
Symptoms of Eye Cancer
The presence of an eye tumor It may not show signs that are easy to detect or that imply a particular alert. However, some symptoms that the person may experience are the following:
- A dark spot or spot that grows larger on the iris
- Peripheral vision affected (to the point that it is lost)
- Difficulty visualizing or focusing on any target (blurring effect)
- Pupil deformity
- Feeling of dust particles in the eyes
- Flashes of light
Eye Cancer Diagnosis Process
When there is any indication that suggests the presence of eye cancer, it is necessary to visit the specialist doctor to carry out an exhaustive physical examination and request the application of specialized diagnostic tests.
Angiography
First, to apply this test, it is necessary to channel a peripheral route through which an intravenous contrast can be administered.
In this way it is possible to capture images of the back of the eye, using a special beam of light that makes the contrast shine. This allows the specialist to visualize the blood vessels on the inside of the eye.
Echography
On the other hand, to do this test, a rod is used that is placed against the eyelid or eyeball.
Then the ultrasound equipment is turned on, which emits waves that collect an image of the tissues through the sound of rebound (echo), which is made visible through a computer screen.
CT scan
This study based on the use of X-rays develops images of internal parts of the body.
It is mostly used to determine if the cancer has spread to other parts of the body, as it generates a three-dimensional image through the scanner.
MRI
Thanks to the use of radio waves and powerful magnets, it is possible to take very precise images. This test is ideal for visualizing eye tumors, and is used to visualize if there is cancer spread.
Biopsy
When a sample of eye tissue can be taken, it is taken for laboratory analysis.
However, it is a resource rarely used in eye cancer, since the specialist doctor often detects the presence of the tumor through imaging tests.
Treatments for Eye Cancer
Treatments for eye cancer will depend on the type of ocular melanoma and the stage of spread it is in.
Chemotherapy
In particular, this treatment can be carried out orally or intravenously peripherally. It is a set of drugs that enter the body to fight cancer cells. Similarly, chemotherapy can be administered directly into the eye in series or cycles with rest periods, so it can be extended over several months.
Radiotherapy
Another common treatment for eye cancer involves placing small plates of radiation in the area of the eyeball near the tumor. This technique is called plaque therapy or brachytherapy. However, there are other techniques such as external beam radiation, where the application is focused towards the eye area with a machine external to the body.
Laser treatment
It is usually used in combination with radiation therapy. In this case, the laser heats the cancer cells until they are destroyed.
Surgery
There are several surgical techniques, each applied to treat some ocular melanomas. Surgery may remove the affected eyeball and surrounding tissues, or do a more complex and delicate procedure that can change the way a person sees.
Immunotherapy
The main objective of targeted therapy treatment is to fight the changes in the cells that turn them into cancer. This therapy helps activate the immune system; attacking cancer cells and preserving the body's normal cells.
Importance of Early Detection of Eye Cancer
Without a doubt, the early detection of cancer is always one of the most difficult tasks for the specialist; and in particular, eye cancer can be better treated if it is detected early.
In fact, when a tumour is diagnosed and its genetic origin is established, it is of the utmost importance that the family nucleus carries out routine ophthalmological follow-ups, since anyone has the possibility of developing an eye tumour.
Stages of Eye Cancer
Ocular melanoma is grouped into 4 stages, which will depend on the thickness and width of the tumor, its spread or level of spread in the body.
Stage I
At this stage, the tumor can be between 9 and 12 mm wide and 3 – 6 mm thick.
It is only visualized in the choroid; a membrane that is located between the sclera and the retina. Its 5-year survival rate is 90%.
Stage II
During this stage, the tumor has the measurements of stage I, but with extension to the sclera, to the outside of the eyeball, and possibly also to the ciliary body.
The survival rate for tumors detected at this stage after 5 years is 70%.
Stage III
It has a size of 15 to 18 mm wide with a thickness of 4 to 6 mm.
Spread through the sclera to the outside of the eyeball is observed and there is already spread to the ciliary body. Its survival rate is 45% at 5 years.
Stage IV
As soon as cancer is found at this stage, it spreads to nearby lymph nodes. Other parts of the body such as bones, lungs, liver, tissue under the skin, among others, are also affected.
At this point, a tumor larger than 18 mm wide is obtained that can handle any thickness above 12 mm. It has a 5-year survival rate of 30%.
Types of Cancer That Affect the Eyes
Eye tumors can be benign or malignant, including primary tumors and metastatic tumors. Depending on their origin, they are differentiated:
- Eyelid tumor
- Tumor in the eye
There are 3 types of eye cancer:
Melanoma
It is a malignant and severe tumor, which develops in different tissues. The most common is choroidal melanoma.
Retinoblastoma
Another malignant tumor is retinoblastoma, which occurs more frequently during childhood. It is aggressive, but its early detection helps to combat it with better results.
Choroidal hemangioma
Finally, there is a benign tumor, but whose development is aggressive and rapid. Because it affects the optic nerve, it makes it difficult to see quickly.
Nursing care in patients with eye cancer
The accompaniment of a professional in the nursing area is a great support for the patient with eye cancer, as it allows:
- Tell the patient not to touch, rub, or squeeze the eye.
- Include family members in care.
- Monitor the presence of hemorrhages, secretions, pain, and if necessary contact the treating specialist.
- Let the patient ask their questions and report their concerns.
- Assist the patient in mobilization.
- Maintain adequate lighting in your home environment.
- Control of vital signs.
- Coordinate daily care and routines to add confidence in the patient.
- Advise family members on safety measures.
- Establish which activities are feasible for the patient to perform alone and in which they will need support.
- Watch for ulceration or redness.
- Comply with medical instructions to the letter.
- Ensure compliance with medications and schedules of administration, according to medical indications.
How to prevent eye cancer?
Unfortunately, eye tumors cannot be prevented.
That is why it is recommended to have annual check-ups with an ophthalmologist from the age of 50 to establish an early diagnosis.
At the same time, it is important to protect the eyes from excessive exposure to the sun’s rays.
Frequently asked questions
Some questions that patients always ask themselves can serve as a guide to clarify doubts. Here are some of them.
At what stage does eye cancer become terminal?
Ocular melanoma manifests more complications due to the magnitude of its spread in stage IV.
At this point, the cancer has spread to other parts of the body (metastasis).
Is eye cancer hereditary?
Retinoblastoma is an eye cancer that occurs in 2 types:
- Sporadic retinoblastoma; that is not passed from one family member to another.
- Hereditary retinoblastoma, with genetic feature
Between 10 and 15% of children may develop hereditary retinoblastoma, and 40% of them have manifestations in both eyeballs.
Also, 10 to 20% of hereditary eye cancer cases are transmitted by a parent who also has hereditary retinoblastoma.
Can you recover your sight if it heals?
If the eye tumor is small, any of the treatments currently available can help preserve vision and the eyeball.
Conversely, when ocular melanoma is large or has spread to a large extent, it is usually necessary to remove the eye.
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