According to the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), eye cancer refers to an abnormal overgrowth of cells in or around the eye. Many types of eye cancers exist, and ASCO reports an estimated 2350 adults in the United States will be diagnosed with eye cancer in 2009.
Types
According to the American Cancer Society, there are many types of eye cancers. Eye cancer can be intraocular (in the eye), orbital (involving tissues around the eyeball), and adnexal (involving accessory structures like the eyelash or eyelid). Melanoma is the most common type of intraocular eye cancer, according to ASCO. There are more eye cancer types than that listed here.
Symptoms
Symptoms of eye cancer include loss of vision, trouble seeing and seeing abnormal lines or floaters.
Diagnosis
Eye cancer is diagnosed with a thorough eye exam using an opthalmoscope (special device to look at the lens and vessels in the eye). According to the American Cancer Society, an eye exam alone is enough to diagnose eye cancer. However, further imaging studies like ultrasound (special device that looks for tumors and melanoma) can be obtained.
Treatment
According to the American Society of Clinical Oncology, treatment for eye cancer varies with the location of the cancer and its extent. Surgery is a common procedure to remove all or part of the eye. Radiation involves the use of high energy beams to kill eye cancer cells. Laser can also be used to shrink the tumor.
Prevention
According to the American Cancer Society in late 2009, the exact causes of eye cancer are still unknown so prevention is not yet possible. There is a link between melanoma and sun exposure, so the ACS recommends wearing coverage such as a hat and wrap-around sunglasses with high UV protection.
