Vivian Nguyen

Project

Presentation

Progress Log

Capstone Essay

Vivian Nguyen

Coussens

English 8

5 May, 2020

Ocular Oncology

Introduction

Ocular Oncology, a rare eye cancer disease, yet deadly, are ruining the lives of so many individuals who are wishing to live a normal lifestyle. To me, it is beyond important to keep an open eye to those who are struggling with cancer, and help them to recover and survive through this utmost, toughest challenge. Growing up, I have always been interested in optometry, and it is the field I hope to pursue and succeed. I believe that many out there can acknowledge the significance of a clear vision because without vision, one cannot see the beauty of Creation, the beauty of humans, the beauty of eyes, the beauty of art, letters, numbers and so much more. Around Thanksgiving of 2018, my now 16-year old cousin was diagnosed with bone cancer. Through his story, I additionally became passionate about cancer and how it affects an individual’s physical and mental health. For the last month, I deepened my knowledge on this topic through diving into further research on eye cancer. I ventured through many websites, databases and books to find adequate information, clarifying to ensure the information corresponds. These helpful tools supplemented my knowledge and provided me with bright ideas for my project, which is to display two models of an eye: one model shows the side effects of ocular melanoma, and the other displays retinoblastoma. As of today in the modern environment, the rates and percentages of cancer, in general, are gradually increasing. Thus, it is essential to be informed in advance about the statistics, causes and effects, symptoms, and treatments of eye cancer in order to help prevent yourself from developing this cunning disease.

Statistics

Before entering into the side effects and symptoms of eye cancer, it is good to look at the statistics to have a clear vision of the trend and severity of eye cancer. As of 2020, around 3,400 adults in the United States will be diagnosed with primary eye cancer: 1890 men and 1510 women (“Statistics”). According to the organization, Ocular Melanoma Foundation, 2000 - 2500 adults in the United States are diagnosed with Ocular Melanoma yearly (“About Ocular Melanoma”), and globally, 5-6 people per every one million are diagnosed with eye cancer, specifically ocular melanoma (“Ocular Melanoma”). The five year survival rate for people diagnosed with eye cancer is around 80% and as a result, an estimation of 390 death cases: 210 men and 180 women (“Statistics”). Eye cancer can occur within anyone (Katella), however, people over the age of 55 are more prone to being diagnosed with the disease. Ocular melanoma, a very common type of eye cancer, can additionally run through the family’s history, which is predominantly caused by a mutation called BAP1 (“Risk and Factors”). Furthermore, those that are regularly exposed to the immediate sunlight and/or UV radiation can obtain eye cancer without doubt (“What You Need to Know”). With these statistics studied and given from professional researchers and organizations, it will allow doctors to perform and provide appropriate treatments and therapy for their patients, as well as for people to be aware and take essential care of themselves.

Causes and Effects

In order for something to have an effect, there must always be a cause for without a cause, effects do not exist. Identifying these causes early could increase the patient’s life span rather than acting at a later time. Thus, there are many types of eye cancer that are organized into different categories of the eye which includes cancer of the eyeball, cancer of the conjunctiva, cancer of the eyelid, cancer of the orbit, lacrimal gland tumors, lacrimal sac and nasolacrimal duct cancer (“Eye Cancer”). However, the two most common types of eye cancer, in which both lie under the category of cancer of the eyeball, are Retinoblastoma, which usually occurs in adults, and Ocular Melanoma, which usually occurs in children (Frey). In addition, metastasis, which is one of the reasons why eye cancer is so lethal, could also lead to eye cancer in patients who have or had breast, lung, skin and colon cancer as well as leukemia and lymphoma. And in fact, according to Oregon Eye Specialists, PC, “...these three forms of cancer are the most commonly seen cancers that do spread to the eyes. And, one of the scariest parts about their ability to do this is that the spread can occur even with the cancer in remission.” Individuals with skin cancer are at a higher risk of developing eye melanoma, and can also form cancer cells on the cornea and the conjunctiva of the eye. Eye cancer is predominantly painless, thus, it is difficult to distinguish whether or not the patient has developed eye cancer. However, if the patient notices a “red, pigmented and white lesion on the surface of the eye”, that is a possible sign of eye cancer that requires immediate examination and treatment. Leukemia, also known as blood cancer, can surprisingly metastasize to the eye, specifically causing the blood vessels to bleed in the retina (“The Effects”). Many of the causes and effects of eye cancer can seem and be very unfriendly to the human body, therefore, being informed about the causes and effects and symptoms, which will be defined below, are one of the key factors to saving the eye and the vision.

In addition, just like every type of cancer, whether common or unusual, there are always some sort of symptoms that nudge the individual to reexamine what is going on inside their body. The symptoms of eye cancer include common effects such as vision loss, noticing floating spots, a dark spot on the iris, sensitivity to light, a lump on the eyelid, eye swelling and/or redness, a change in movement of the eye, pain in or around the eye (“Understanding Eye Cancer”), eye displacement, and watery eyes (“What You Need To Know”). It is essential to schedule regular visits with an ophthalmologist and/or optometrist when noticing these symptoms, so that the ophthalmologist can provide background information on the issue and/or tackle and detect the tumor as early as possible (Katella). Whenever seeing and sensing these provided symptoms, many ocular doctors will recommend their patients to check in with their eye doctors to investigate the health and condition of the eye.

Gradings and Stages

Following the identification of the causes and symptoms, gradings and stages will be determined, as they are beneficial ways for doctors to understand the severity of any type of cancer, and for them to diagnose the proper treatment to the patient’s circumstance. Many oncologists, including an ocular oncologist, will use the TNM system to grade the tumor. The “T” answers the question, “How large is the tumor and where is it located?”; letter “N” answers the question, “Has the tumor spread to any lymph nodes (small structures that function as filters and help your body fight off the virus) and where?”; and letter “M” answers the question, “Have the cells spread and/or metastasized to other body parts and where?” (“Stages and Grades”). Through the TNM system, the answers to these core questions will help ocular oncologists determine the stages of eye cancer. Eye cancer is divided into four stages in which each stage possesses its own definition. Stage one defines the cancer as a small tumor (less than 3mm) and has not multiplied to other parts of the eye. The tumor in the second stage is larger than stage one and has not spread to other sections of the eye. In stage three, the tumor is large and has multiplied to other parts of the eye and in stage four, otherwise called the last stage, the cells have metastasized to other body parts (“What You Need to Know”). It is significant for doctors and patients to know what stage of eye cancer they are positioned for, for doctors to refer and determine the suitable treatment.

Treatments and Prevention

By all means, almost every individual who has encountered cancer has received technical treatment, a popular medium doctors use to treat cancer. Treatments of any type of cancer include technical and natural treatments. In regards to any type of technical treatments, which are treatments that involve the practical hands of an ophthalmologist or an ocular oncologist, there are always pros and cons. In terms of eye cancer, if the ophthalmologist puts that patient into chemotherapy because they believe that is the best and safest decision regarding their condition, that patient could experience dryness, tearing, cataracts, light sensitivity, infection and blurring (Lawrence). Additionally, it is recommended that those who are undergoing chemotherapy to treat eye cancer must check in with their ophthalmologist frequently to acquire special eye care (“The Effects”). Normally, patients diagnosed with eye cancer will be put under radiation because radiation focuses on treating patients who are diagnosed with cancer from the neck to the head. As a result, however, radiation performs harmful damage to the retina, optic nerve, the tear film, drainage system, and the eyelid, in which all of these side effects result in vision loss (Lawrence). It can additionally cause inflammation to the conjunctiva, cornea and skin (“The Effects”). Today, ocular oncologists and/or ophthalmologists are using immunotherapy, surgery, steroids and laser therapy as well as the two technical treatments mentioned above to treat eye cancer patients (Lawrence). Technical treatments are a very common method to gradually cure the cancer cells and in fact, that is the initial factor most doctors consider.

Whether or not a patient is undergoing technical treatment, it is extremely crucial to stay healthy, which is where the natural treatments come into play. Chemotherapy, radiation, immunotherapy or surgery could immensely affect their eating habits and food nutrients. Thus, it is very essential to infuse the body with healthy food and balance out the nutrition during the times of treatments (“Wellness”) through consuming lots of fruits and vegetables that are rich in Vitamin C daily (“Staying Healthy”). Secondly, exercising and staying active is genuinely essential while battling any types of cancer to help build a stronger immune system and a healthier body. For those who have an eye tumor in the retina, doctors may suggest that the patient keeps his/her head elevated, especially when sleeping, in order to keep the retina attached to its blood supply as much as possible (“Wellness”). Patients must avoid consuming drugs and alcohol, preventing themselves from direct exposure of UV radiation, sunlight and tanning beds. Rather, patients are encouraged to maintain a good and healthy weight (“Staying Healthy”). Not only are diagnosed patients or non-diagnosed patients urged to remain physically healthy, they are urged to remain mentally and emotionally healthy. As commonly heard, discussed and recommended, meditation is the one of the most effective techniques to reduce anxiety and stress (“Wellness”). And when the patient is feeling anxious, they should talk to their doctors, nurses, therapists and healthcare providers, reach out to family members, friends and groups for support, and continuously stay active to boost positivity and lower the level of depression and anxiety (“Staying Healthy”). Despite the situation, staying physically and mentally healthy is vital in all aspects of one’s life, especially when enduring cancer.

Not only is it vital to stay healthy in the soul, mind and body to prevent and/reduce the pain of cancer, there are also ways that people should apply in their daily lives to prevent eye cancer. It is true and accurate, according to many researchers, that eye cancer originates from the DNA mutation, or specifically by the BAP1 mutation (“Eye Cancer: Risk and Factors”). However, eye cancer can be prevented, and these methods are targeted to those who have not yet been diagnosed with eye cancer. Eye cancer can be prevented through wearing sunglasses and sunscreen in places where there is sunlight or a direct exposure to UV radiation (“What You Need to Know”). As of today, taking antioxidants are also suggested because they prevent the good cells from being damaged through treatment, as well as repair it. On top of that, taking vitamins and eating food that contain antioxidants will strengthen the body’s immune system to fight the cancer cells that are continually dividing (“The Effects”). Last but not least, Dr. Lim, an ocular oncologist at the Yale Medical Ophthalmology, recommends individuals to check in with an ophthalmologist when seeing a symptom to discuss the family history, examine the symptom and detect the tumor early, if any. Moreover, she stated in the article, “I recommend using sunglasses and sunscreen. The sun isn’t directly linked to uveal melanoma, but we know UV exposure can affect eye structures and predisposition patients to cataracts and eyelid cancers.” Nevertheless, as mentioned above, always keep a healthy immune system and integrate these simple actions into your lives everyday. Remember to consistently eat a nutritious diet, stay active and take good care of yourself! (Katella).

Conclusion

Eye Cancer not only originates from a gene mutation, but also through metastasis and a poor care of the self, such as not wearing protective gears while directly exposed to the sunlight and UV radiation. Using all of the essential information I consumed through my research, I will create two models of an eye that concentrates on the two frequent types of eye cancer, Ocular Melanoma and Retinoblastoma. Manifesting the side effects and symptoms of these eye cancers will grant an audience a visual of what it is like to battle with any type of cancer, and how they can remain physically and emotionally healthy. Through this Capstone Project, I am hoping to raise awareness of the significance of strong health, and the greatness of assisting strugglers with cancer. My goal is to be able to inspire students behind me to open their hearts to those who are struggling through cancer. Whether it is inventing a new and efficient cure or caring for those who need emotional assistance, I want them to know that their little help can make a remarkable difference to an individual who is undergoing cancer, because a little goes a long way.

Work Cited

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