ocular cancer

Ocular Cancer: A Rare but Serious Condition

Ocular cancer, also known as eye cancer, is a rare and serious form of cancer that affects the tissues of the eye. It can be primary, meaning it starts in the eye itself, or metastatic, meaning it spreads to the eye from another part of the body.

Types of Ocular Cancer

There are several types of ocular cancer, including:

• Melanoma: The most common type of ocular cancer, which develops in the pigment-producing cells of the eye. It can be primary or metastatic.
• Carcinoma: A type of cancer that affects the epithelial tissues of the eye.
• Lymphoma: A type of cancer that affects the immune system and can spread to the eye.
• Retinoblastoma: A rare form of cancer that develops in the retina, usually in children.

Symptoms of Ocular Cancer

The symptoms of ocular cancer can vary depending on the type and location of the cancer. Some common symptoms include:

• Redness and irritation around the eye
• Sensation of something in the eye
• White painless growth on the surface of the eye
• Shadows, flashes of light, or wiggly lines in your vision
• Blurred vision

Treatment Options

The treatment options for ocular cancer depend on the type and stage of the cancer. They may include:

• Surgery: To remove the tumor and affected tissues.
• Radiation therapy: To kill cancer cells with radiation.
• Chemotherapy: To use medications to kill cancer cells.
• Immunotherapy: To stimulate the immune system to fight cancer.

References

• [1] According to search result 4, uveal melanoma is the most common primary intraocular eye cancer in adults.
• [2] As stated in search result 8, a cancerous (malignant) tumour is a group of cancer cells that can grow into and destroy nearby tissue.
• [3] Search result 10 describes ocular cancer as a primary or metastatic malignant neoplasm involving the structures of the eye.
• [4] Symptoms of ocular cancer include redness, irritation, sensation of something in the eye, white painless growth on the surface of the eye, shadows, flashes of light, or wiggly lines in your vision, and blurred vision (search results 5 and 9).

Common Signs and Symptoms of Ocular Cancer

Ocular cancer, also known as eye cancer, can manifest in various ways, making it essential to be aware of the potential signs and symptoms. Here are some common indicators:

• Vision problems: Blurry vision, distorted vision, or a blind spot in your side vision [9]
• Flashes and floaters: Shadows, flashes of light, or wiggly lines in your vision [5, 8]
• Loss of peripheral vision: Difficulty seeing objects or people on the sides or periphery of your visual field [6, 8]
• Growing dark spot on the iris: A dark patch in your eye that's getting bigger [5]
• Painless vision loss: The most common symptom of eye cancer is painless vision loss [7]
• Eye pain (rare): Pain in or around the eye, although this is a rare symptom [4]

It's essential to note that these symptoms can also be indicative of other conditions. If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, it's crucial to consult with an eye care professional for a proper diagnosis and treatment.

References: [5] Symptoms of eye cancer · shadows, flashes of light, or wiggly lines in your vision · blurred vision · a dark patch in your eye that's getting bigger · partial or complete loss of sight · pain in or around the eye (rare with eye cancer) · a pale raised lump on the ... [6] Eye cancer symptoms vary person to person. 1. Loss of vision 2. Blurry vision 3. Flashes and floaters 4. Pigmented area on the conjunctiva 5. [7] The most common symptom of eye cancer is painless vision loss. Other vision problems that may be signs of eye cancer include: Blurry vision. Vision loss (either ... [8] Symptoms of Ocular Melanoma · Blurred vision · Floaters or vision “spots” · Loss of peripheral vision · Growing dark spot on the iris (colored part of eye) · Changes in the pupil. [9] Nov 7, 2024 — blurred or distorted vision or a blind spot in your side vision; the sensation of flashing lights; a change in the shape of the pupil. Ocular ...

Diagnostic Tests for Ocular Cancer

Ocular cancer, also known as eye cancer, can be diagnosed using various tests and examinations. Here are some of the diagnostic tests used to detect ocular cancer:

• Ultrasound: Ultrasound is a common test used to help diagnose eye melanomas. It uses sound waves and their echoes to make pictures of the inside of the eye [1].
• Eye Examination: A comprehensive eye examination, including a dilated retinal exam, can help identify signs of ocular cancer [4].
• Ultrasound Imaging: Ultrasound imaging is used in conjunction with a dilated retinal exam to help diagnose tumors of the eyeball [4].
• Blood Tests: Blood tests may be conducted to check for liver function and other related factors [5].
• CT Scan (Computed Tomography): A CT scan can be used to stage ocular melanoma and determine its extent [5].
• MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): An MRI can also be used to stage ocular melanoma and assess its spread [5].
• Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) Scan: An OCT scan is a non-invasive test that uses low-coherence interferometry to produce high-resolution images of the retina [8].
• Colour Photography: Colour photography can help identify changes in the eye, which may indicate ocular cancer [8].

These diagnostic tests are used when symptoms or a routine eye exam suggest a problem. It's essential to note that early detection and diagnosis are crucial for effective treatment and management of ocular cancer.

References: [1] Ultrasound is a very common test used to help diagnose eye melanomas. [4] Your ophthalmologist may perform a dilated retinal exam and ultrasound imaging to help diagnose tumors of the eyeball. [5] Tests Used to Stage Ocular Melanoma · Blood Chemistry Analysis · Liver Function Tests · Ultrasound · CT Scan (Computed Tomography) · MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging). [8] Eye cancers start in the cells inside your eyeball and in nearby structures, like your eyelids and tear ducts. Treatments include brachytherapy and surgery.

Treatment Options for Ocular Cancer

Ocular cancer, also known as eye cancer, can be treated using various methods, including drug treatment. Here are some of the most common drugs used to treat ocular cancer:

• Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy is a type of cancer treatment that uses anti-cancer (cytotoxic) drugs to kill cancer cells. It may be used to treat eye cancer in certain situations [5].
• Tebentafusp: Tebentafusp is the first systemic therapy proven to help people live longer with uveal melanoma, a type of ocular cancer [4]. It works by helping immune cells get close enough to cancer cells to kill them.
• Ranibizumab (Lucentis): Ranibizumab is a drug similar to bevacizumab that may also be used to treat vision loss caused by damage to blood vessels from radiation therapy [2].
• Pembrolizumab, Nivolumab, and Ipilimumab: These drugs haven't been shown to be quite as effective in treating uveal melanoma, but they may still be considered as treatment options for some patients [1].

Other Treatment Options

In addition to drug treatment, other options for treating ocular cancer include:

• Surgery: Surgery is often the main treatment for eye cancer and involves removing the tumor from the eye.
• Radiotherapy: Radiotherapy uses high-energy rays to kill cancer cells and may be used in combination with surgery or chemotherapy.
• Laser Treatment: Laser treatment, such as thermotherapy, uses an infrared laser and may be used in combination with radiation therapy.

References

[1] Jan 26, 2022 — Pembrolizumab (Keytruda); Nivolumab (Opdivo); Ipilimumab (Yervoy) are not effective in treating uveal melanoma. [2] Ranibizumab (Lucentis) is used to treat vision loss caused by damage to blood vessels from radiation therapy. [3] Chemotherapy may be used to treat eye cancer in certain situations. [4] Tebentafusp is the first systemic therapy proven to help people live longer with uveal melanoma. [5] Chemotherapy is a treatment of cancer-killing drugs used to kill eye cancer cells.

Differential Diagnosis of Ocular Cancer

Ocular cancer, also known as eye cancer, can be challenging to diagnose due to its rarity and similarity in symptoms with other conditions. The differential diagnosis of ocular cancer involves ruling out other possible causes of the symptoms and identifying the specific type of cancer.

Possible Differential Diagnoses:

• Infectious and non-infectious uveitis: This is a common condition that can mimic the symptoms of ocular cancer, such as inflammation in the eye.
• Choroidal nevus: A benign growth on the choroid layer of the eye that can be easily confused with ocular melanoma.
• Metastatic tumors: Cancers that have spread from other parts of the body to the eye, which can mimic the symptoms of primary ocular cancer.
• Pigmented epithelioid melanocytoma (PEM): A rare type of tumor that can be mistaken for ocular melanoma due to its similar appearance.
• Ocular lymphomas: Cancers of the immune system that can affect the eye and mimic the symptoms of ocular cancer.

Diagnostic Techniques:

To accurately diagnose ocular cancer, a combination of clinical history, specialized ocular examination, and imaging techniques such as:

• High-frequency ultrasound
• Fluorescein angiography
• Anterior and posterior segment optical coherence tomography (OCT)
• Computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

are used to rule out other possible causes of the symptoms.

References:

• [8] Choroidal melanoma is the most common primary malignant intraocular tumor.
• [9] Ocular melanoma is the most prevalent primary intraocular malignancy in adults, accounting for 3% to 5% of all melanomas.
• [13] Ocular cancers are unique among the diseases of the eye, threatening both vision and life.
• [15] Ocular melanoma diagnosis includes an eye exam, as well as use of ocular coherence tomography, fluorescein angiography, ultrasound, and needle biopsy.