ard (entropion) or sag outward (ectroption). Either condition may affect eye health and can be repaired with surgery.
Radiation keratopathy. Exposure to high energy x-rays to the eyelid can cause a disease of the eye’s cornea, called keratopathy. This can cause damage to the top layer of the eye and damage the cornea.
Other common side effects. Other common side effects from radiation therapy include red eye, tearing, and sensitivity to light.
The following side effects are much less common and can cause a loss of vision:
Radiation retinopathy. Radiation retinopathy is the development of abnormal blood vessels in the retina, which is the thin-layered structure that lines the eyeball.
Radiation optic neuropathy. Radiation optic neuropathy is radiation-induced optic nerve damage.
Neovascular glaucoma. Neovascular glaucoma is a painful condition that involves new blood vessels developing and blocking the regular release of fluid from the eye.
If there is significant damage to the eye from radiation therapy, the eye may need to be removed (see above).
Learn more about the basics of radiation therapy.
Chemotherapy is the use of drugs to destroy cancer cells, usually by stopping the cancer cells’ ability to grow and divide. For eyelid cancer, chemotherapy is most commonly a topical therapy, meaning it is placed directly on the affected skin. Topical chemotherapy may be prescribed by a medical oncologist, a doctor who specializes in treating cancer with medication, or by an ophthalmologist or dermatologist.
The most common topical chemotherapy is fluorouracil (Efudex). This is a skin cream or solution a patient puts on the affected area. It may be used as an alternative to surgery, especially for patients with a smaller tumor.
The side effects of topical fluorouracil may include pain, burning, itching, dryness, irritation, or swelling where it was applied. Sometimes people experience sensitivity to sunlight and scarring or discoloration of the skin. These side effects usually go away once treatment is finished.
Learn more about the basics of chemotherapy and preparing for treatment. The medications used to treat cancer are continually being evaluated. Talking with your doctor is often the best way to learn about the medications prescribed for you, their purpose, and their potential side effects or interactions with other medications. Learn more about your prescriptions by using searchable drug databases.
Getting care for symptoms and side effects
Cancer and its treatment often cause side effects. In addition to treatment to slow, stop, or eliminate the cancer, an important part of cancer care is relieving a person’s symptoms and side effects. This approach is called palliative or supportive care, and it includes supporting the patient with his or her physical, emotional, and social needs.
Palliative care is any treatment that focuses on reducing symptoms, improving quality of life, and supporting patients and their families. Any person, regardless of age or type and stage of cancer, may receive palliative care. It works best when palliative care is started as early as needed in the cancer treatment process.
People often receive treatment for the cancer and treatment to ease side effects at the same time. In fact, patients who receive both often have less severe symptoms, better quality of life, and report they are more satisfied with treatment.
Palliative treatments vary widely and often include medication, nutritional changes, relaxation techniques, emotional support, and other therapies. You may also receive palliative treatments similar to those meant to eliminate the cancer, such as chemotherapy, surgery, or radiation therapy. Talk with your doctor about the goals of each treatment in the treatment plan.
Before treatment begins, talk with your health care team about the possible side effects of your specific treatment plan and palliative care options. And, during and after treatment, be sure to tell your doctor or another health care team member if you are experiencing a problem so it can be addressed as quickly as possible