 about a prosthesis. It may take many weeks for you to receive the prosthesis. Also, ask about support services that may be available to you to help adjust to the loss of an eye. Learn more about rehabilitation.
Radiation therapy is the use of high-energy x-rays or other particles to destroy cancer cells. A doctor who specializes in giving radiation therapy to treat cancer is called a radiation oncologist. The most common type of radiation treatment is called external-beam radiation therapy, which is radiation given from a machine outside the body. A radiation therapy regimen (schedule) usually consists of a specific number of treatments given over a set period of time.
Radiation therapy may be used for a cancer that is hard to treat with surgery, and several treatments may be needed. Treatment side effects may include a rash, dry or discolored skin, fatigue, mild skin reactions, upset stomach, or loose bowel movements. Most side effects go away soon after treatment is finished. However, other side effects, such as those listed below, may show up later.
Treatment for eyelid cancer using radiation therapy is continually improving. Talk with your doctor about the risks and benefits of the different types of radiation therapy. Side effects may include:
Cataracts. Cataracts are very common. A cataract is when the lens of the eye becomes cloudy. People with cataracts may have cloudy or foggy vision, have trouble seeing at night, or have problems with glare from the sun or bright lights. If the cataract is causing major problems with a person's eyesight, it may be surgically removed.
Loss of eyelashes and/or a dry eye. Loss of eyelashes and/or a dry eye can occur with radiation therapy. Some treatment options include over-the-counter eye drops, prescription eye drops such as cyclosporine ophthalmic (Restasis), and plugs that can be placed in the tear ducts. Talk with your ophthalmologist about how to help relieve these side effects.
Change in lid position. After radiation therapy and/or surgery, the eyelid may roll inward (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.
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