A Complete Guide to Eye Cancers; Types, Symptoms, and Treatments

Diagnosis

An ophthalmologist will diagnose eye cancer using various tests. Light, magnifying lenses, and dilating drops will dilate the pupil, exposing the internal areas more clearly, making it easier to determine if there is a problem. Apart from examining the way a patient's eyes are moving, an ophthalmologist will ask some follow up questions about the patient’s lifestyle, family history, and symptoms they have been experiencing. He or she will likely also run necessary tests such as an MRI and ultrasound to obtain a clearer picture of the eyes, and recommend a biopsy to test a small tissue sample of the growth.

Treatments For Eye Cancer

If an ophthalmologist discovers that the patient indeed does have ocular cancer, various treatment options have to be considered and discussed with a team of doctors. Treatment options depend on many factors, including the location of the tumor, stage of cancer and side effects of the chosen treatment on the patient. The patient will meet with other specialists such as radiation oncologist, medical oncologist and other medical experts who will help to guide them through the treatment stages. It is also advisable for a patient to see a counselor, attend support groups and openly discuss the future with their family as the treatment process may not be effective, and also to aid the patient in dealing with any eventuality and associated side effects.