Recognize the Causes of Eye Cancer Based on the Type

Eye cancer can occur to anyone and at any age range. Although it rarely happens, you should identify the causes and risk factors for eye cancer based on the type, so you can take precautions early. One division of types of eye cancer is according to the place where the growth of cancer cells or malignant cells. Eye cancer originating from the eye is called primary eye cancer. Meanwhile, eye cancer originating from other organs is called secondary eye cancer. In addition to being differentiated according to the place where the body began to be malignant, eye cancer is also divided into several types based on the type of cells that turn malignant. The causes and risk factors for each type of eye cancer are different.

Various Causes of Eye Cancer by Type

The following are some types of eye cancer and their causes and risk factors:

Intraocular melanoma

Intraocular melanoma is a type of eye cancer that often occurs in adults. This cancer is called uveal melanoma if it occurs in the eyeball tissue. Common signs of intraocular melanoma are blurred vision or the presence of black spots on the iris (rainbow membrane of the eyeball). The cause of intraocular melanoma is still not known with certainty, but there are various factors that can increase the risk of this eye cancer, such as the presence of moles on the eyes or on the skin, have family members who suffer from intraocular melanoma, bright colored eyes, and are often exposed to sunlight in long time.

Primary intraocular lymphoma

Primary intraocular lymphoma is a type of eye cancer involving white blood cells including lymphocytes throughout the body. Primary intraocular lymphoma is included in the group of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Although the cause of intraocular lymphoma is not known with certainty, this type of eye cancer often occurs in someone who has an immune system disorder, for example due to HIV / AIDS, rheumatoid arthritis, or taking immune system suppressing drugs.

Retinoblastoma

Retinoblastoma is a type of eye cancer that attacks the retina, and generally occurs in children. This cancer occurs due to changes or mutations in genes in the retina, but what causes these mutations can not be ascertained. One of the signs that can be found in patients with retinoblastoma is the white color of the pupils (small black dots in the middle of the eye) when irradiated. This sign is often called the "cat's eye image". Other symptoms are red eyes, swelling, and left and right eye movements are not aligned.

Treatment for Eye Cancer

First of all, the doctor will conduct a thorough examination to confirm the diagnosis and know the type of eye cancer that occurs. After that, the treatment will be adjusted to the type, location, and severity of eye cancer, as well as the patient's age and health condition. Treatment options for eye cancer include radiotherapy, laser therapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and surgery. The causes of eye cancer vary according to type. Although eye cancer is classified as a rare disease, but you still need to be vigilant and avoid various causes and risk factors for this cancer. If you experience interference with the eye or vision, immediately consult a specialist eye doctor.