What are the first signs of eye cancer?

Fortunately, the occurrence of eye cancer is quite rare. However, that doesn’t mean that one should ignore the problematic symptoms of eye diseases. Understandably, someone’s world may come upside down if they are diagnosed with eye cancer. As the name suggests, eye cancer such as melanoma is a serious condition that cannot heal or subside within a few days or weeks. Wait and watch approach doesn’t work well for such serious eye problems as it may cost you your vision.

Eye cancer begins when cells start multiplying uncontrollably and result in tumor formation. tumours can be either noncancerous (benign) or cancerous (malignant). Such tumours can develop in the eyeball and/or around it.

It is the malignant tumours that are highly dangerous and may even spread to other parts of the body. However, timely diagnosis and treatment by paying attention to the first signs of eye cancer may help in saving vision.

Early eye cancer symptoms include:

• Sudden vision loss or blurry vision

• Reduced field of vision

• Floaters or spots drifting away in the field of vision

• A dark spot on the iris increasing in size (the coloured part of the eye)

• Unusual alteration in the shape or size of the pupil (central dark spot in the eye)

• Eye bulging out

• A pale lump appears on the eye surface (cornea or conjunctiva)

• Changed position or movement of the eyeball within the eye socket

It is strictly advised not to overlook any of these symptoms and get a thorough screening done. Early diagnosis and treatment for eye cancer can help in stopping the spread. Depending upon the origin, there are different types of eye cancers. Let’s further briefly know about them.

Different types of eye cancer are:

• Ocular melanoma: This cancer can occur in or around the eye. This condition arises in the pigment-producing cells which impart colour to your eyes, hair, and skin.

• Eyelid and orbital cancer: It is common in adults. At first, the condition may arise in the form of a nodule in the eyelid or the area around the eye. The condition may make the eye bulge outward.

• Retinoblastoma: This type of eye cancer develops in the retina which is the light-sensitive layer at the back of the eye. Such tumours can block the fluid circulation pathway in the eye, causing eye pressure to increase. It is seen that children are at higher risk of retinoblastoma which can develop in one or both eyes. It may be observed that in retinoblastoma, eyes are found to be squinting. Retinoblastomas must be treated otherwise they can spread outside the eyeball.

• Intraocular lymphoma: It is a rare condition of lymphocytic malignancy wherein vitreous inflammation and lesions can develop. Vitreous is a gel-like substance found inside the eye comprising fibers and keeping the retina in its place.

To lead a healthy life, it is necessary to detect early stage eye cancer symptoms. The type of eye cancer one may be suffering from can only be diagnosed by an eye specialist.

Take Away

As you know that there are NO alternatives to medical treatment for eye cancer. The sooner one visits a specialist for a thorough eye checkup when they experience any unusual eye problem symptoms, the faster they can get rid of the problem. If you or a family member is dealing with the suspected symptoms of eye tumor or eye cancer but want complete clarity, get in touch with the Centre for Sight to book a detailed private consultation with the doctor.