The good thing about these tumors is that problems can often be detected earlier than cancers hiding inside the eye, as the problem is often visible to the patient and family members. It is important that any “spot” on the surface of the eye be evaluated to be sure that there is not a malignancy there. The surgical management of any suspicious conjunctival lesion is a complete excisional biopsy of the lesion with cryotherapy to the surrounding conjunctiva and reconstruction.
Squamous cell carcinomas appear as a reddish or white spot on the surface of the eye. It often has blood vessels surrounding it, and may be flat or elevated. Squamous lesions rarely metastasize, but can invade over the area affecting vision and also can invade into the orbit and sinuses. Squamous lesions are very responsive to anti-cancer eye drops and often this can cure the problem. Many of the medications to cure squamous lesions were pioneered here at Bascom Palmer Eye Institute . An advantage to the topical therapy is that it treats the entire ocular surface. Surgery is also a treatment options and is done as described above with removal and a freezing adjunct.
Malignant melanomas can start as a nevus (freckle) or can arise as newly formed pigmentation. Any pigmented spot should be evaluated to be sure that it is not suspicious. Melanomas are aggressive lesions and can metastasize. Malignant melanoma of the conjunctiva should be removed. Along with removal, a freezing treatment is also done (cryotherapy). After removal, some patients will need special anti-cancer eye drops to kill any possible “seeds”.
Lymphoma of the conjunctiva often has a “salmon” colored lesion often hiding on the surface of the eye but under the eyelid. It can be a sign of systemic lymphoma or be confined to the conjunctiva. Lymphomas of the conjunctiva are confirmed by a biopsy, and then a work up is done to see if the problem is localized only to the eye. If only on the eye, the usual treatment is external beam radiation. This is done in conjunction with our colleagues at Sylvester Cancer Center . If other parts of the eye are involved, then medications/chemotherapy is needed for the whole body.
Doctor fees included*
*Prices can vary without notice.
The patient understands that every medical procedure comes with an inherent risk, any complication during the surgery may generate additional costs.
Custom made intraocular lenses (IOL’s).
You should be able to go home a few hours after the operation.
The doctor will need to check your eye the day after the operation. The surgeon may massage the area around the drainage hole, inject anti-scarring drugs into the surface of the eye, and scrape away any scar tissue. These procedures are normally painless and are performed after your eye has been numbed with anaesthetic drops.
You should not drive, operate machinery (this includes cooking) or do any potentially dangerous activities for at least 24 hours and not until you have fully recovered feeling, movement and co-ordination.
The surgeon will tell you when you can return to normal activities. Most people will need about two weeks off work.
Disclaimer: This information does not reflect the medical advice from our clinics. All cases are different and this treatment may not suit you. Always refer to a medical professional with the certification and experience. All of our physicians are fully qualified to perform these procedures. For more information and diagnosis contact one of our top specialized clinics.
In all medical procedures, there are chances of complications, the specialist will provide you detailed information about the risks of the procedure, talk to the specialist directly.
