Tests For Eye Cancer

Eye Cancer

The first step to detecting eye melanoma is to choose an experienced ophthalmologist (eye doctor) who can perform an accurate diagnosis for your eye condition. Early detection of eye melanoma is important. Advanced cancer may require surgical intervention and lead to loss of vision or a part of the eye. You may choose an experienced surgeon for this reconstructive surgery.

The doctor will check your eye movement and vision. They will also look for dark spots and other symptoms of eye melanoma. Enlarged blood vessels inside or outside the eye is a symptom of tumor. The doctor may order one or more tests to diagnose melanoma of the eye.

Khan Eyelid and Facial Aesthetics, led by oculoplastic and reconstructive surgeon Dr. Tanya Khan, provides advanced eye care procedures to patients in Plano, Dallas, Texas, and surrounding locations.

Imaging Tests

Imaging tests involve x-rays, sound waves, radioactive particles, or magnetic fields to create a picture of internal body parts. These tests are conducted for:

• Finding any suspicious cancerous area
• Determining extent of cancer
• Judging treatment results
• Determining recurrence of cancer

Ultrasound

This is another common test used for diagnosing eye melanoma. Tumors appear prominently in ultrasounds. Doctors can use ultrasound to confirm melanoma diagnosis in most cases. Ultrasounds are also helpful in showing the size and location of the tumor.

Abdominal ultrasound may be performed if eye melanoma has already been detected. This is to look for signs of spread in other parts of the body, especially the liver.

Fluorescein Angiography

Orange fluorescent dye (fluorescein) is used for performing this test. The fluorescein is injected into a vein in the arm. Special light is used to take images of the back of the eye.

This light makes the dye glow and allows the doctors to look at blood vessels within the eye. Melanomas may not appear prominently in this test. However, various other eye problems can, and your doctor can tell if the problem is cancerous or not.

Computed Tomography (CT) Scan

Detailed cross-sectional images of the internal body parts can be seen through a CT scan, which effectively combines several x-rays. CT scan can help detect if the cancer has spread to parts outside the eye. It may be used to detect the spread of cancer to other body parts as well, such as the liver.

Biopsy

Usually, a biopsy is performed to detect the presence of cancer. A small sliver of the tumor is removed and examined in a lab to detect the presence of cancer cells. Generally, biopsies are not performed for the purpose of detecting eye melanoma.

This is because imaging tests and routine eye exam can accurately detect almost all cases of eye cancer. However, a biopsy can be useful for checking gene mutations and predicting prognosis. It can be performed for early detection in worrisome areas. It can also help in the selection of targeted drugs that will work best on the cancer.

Board certified ophthalmologist Dr. Tanya Khan receives patients from Plano, Dallas, Texas, and nearby areas for safe and reliable eye care treatments.

Contact Khan Eyelid and Facial Aesthetics and Oculoplastic & Reconstructive Surgeon Dr. Tanya Khan Today to Schedule an Appointment

For more information about procedures and treatments at Khan Eyelid and Facial Aesthetics by Ophthalmic surgeon Dr. Tanya Khan. Click here to contact us.

Taking patients from in and around Dallas, Plano, Fort Worth, Grapevine, Garland, Mesquite, Carrollton, Irving, Frisco, Texas and more.