Eye and adnexal tumours
What are eye tumours and adnexa?
Tumours of the eye and its adnexa - the eyelids, conjunctiva, lacrimal apparatus, and orbit - are the only diseases in ophthalmology that threaten not only the function of vision, but also the patient's life. This is precisely why they require special attention, expert treatment, and regular check-ups.
The good news is that almost all tumours of the eyelids and conjunctiva are curable if detected at an early stage. The key is timely examination.
Eyelid and conjunctival tumours
Eyelid tumours are common - many of them are encountered daily in ophthalmological practice. Changes on these structures are visible and accessible for examination. Malignant eyelid tumours occur primarily in older people. The most common is basal cell carcinoma of the skin - a locally aggressive tumour that grows slowly and does not metastasise, but if left untreated can involve surrounding structures. The treatment of choice is surgical excision in time - and results are excellent.
Conjunctival tumours are also visible and accessible - diagnosed by examination and treated surgically. It is important to show any new or changed pigmented or raised lesion on the eye to an ophthalmologist.
All benign eyelid changes - papillomas, xanthelasmas, and cysts - can be simply and safely removed surgically, with histological confirmation of the findings.
Intraocular tumours
Retinoblastoma is the most common malignant eye tumour in children. It most often occurs in the first two years of life and can be hereditary.
If you notice a white reflection from the pupil of a baby or young child (instead of the normal red reflex in a photograph), or sudden strabismus in a baby - seek ophthalmological help immediately. These are the most important warning signs of retinoblastoma.
Malignant melanoma of the uvea is the most common primary malignant intraocular tumour in adults. It grows for a long time without symptoms - many patients do not notice it until vision is affected. It is detected by fundus examination - and early detection decisively influences the treatment outcome.
Orbital tumours
Orbital tumours represent one of the most complex questions in ophthalmic oncology. Signs that may indicate a tumour in the orbit include: a protruding eyeball, displacement of the eye, swelling around the eyelid or eye, double vision, or restricted eye movement.
Diagnosis is made with ultrasound, CT, or MRI - and the final confirmation is histological, based on a biopsy or surgically removed tissue.
How are they diagnosed and treated?
Diagnosis of eye tumours requires an ophthalmological examination with modern diagnostic methods. At the Milmedic clinic, Prof. dr Dejan Rašić performs all types of surgical removal of tumour lesions with patohistological tissue analysis (PH findings).
Treatment methods - depending on the type and stage of the tumour - include: surgical excision, cryotherapy, radiotherapy, and local cytostatic therapy.
When to come for an examination?
Seek ophthalmological help immediately if you notice:
a new or changed lesion on the eyelid or eye (raised, pigmented, or growing)
a white reflection from the pupil in a child
a protruding or displaced eyeball
restricted eye movement or double vision without a clear cause
swelling around the eyelid or orbit that does not resolve
Frequently asked questions
Can a benign lesion become malignant over time?
In rare cases it can. Some benign lesions on the eyelid or conjunctiva have malignant potential and require monitoring. For this reason, every removed lesion is sent for histopathological analysis - which provides the definitive answer about the nature of the tissue.
Does sun exposure increase the risk of eye tumours?
Yes. UV radiation is one of the risk factors for the development of eyelid and conjunctival tumours, as well as uveal melanoma. Sun protection - quality sunglasses with a UV filter and a wide-brimmed hat - reduces long-term exposure and risk.
Good news: most eye tumours are curable.
The key is timely detection - schedule an examination as soon as you notice any change.