Cancer, a word that often strikes fear, affects millions worldwide, claiming lives and altering futures. While many are familiar with common forms of cancer like breast, lung, or skin cancer, there are others far rarer but equally devastating.
Among these are rare cancers that often go undiagnosed or misdiagnosed due to their unusual nature. Eye cancer, a condition that you might never have heard of, is one of these rare cancer types.
The American Cancer Society (ACS) notes that only 3,320 eye cancer diagnoses were recorded in the country in 2024. Out of these, 1,780 cases involved men and the remaining 1,540 were women.
Despite its rarity, eye cancer leaves a lasting impact on the lives of those diagnosed, as you’ll discover in the personal stories that follow.
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Eye Freckle Led to Cancer in a Retired School Teacher
Like all other forms of cancer, eye cancer doesn’t discriminate in age either. The example of Debbie Hensley’s diagnosis serves as an apt example.
Debbie Hensley, a retired school teacher from Tennessee, never imagined that a tiny eye freckle would change her life, reported Northwestern Medicine. During a routine eye exam in May 2024, her doctor noticed something unusual – the freckle in her eye had grown.
What was once a harmless spot had morphed into something much more serious: ocular melanoma, a rare form of eye cancer.
Despite feeling perfectly healthy, the 65-year-old’s diagnosis came as a shock. Her journey involved complex treatment, including radiation, which successfully shrank the tumor, slightly affecting her vision.
While Hensley’s proton therapy was completed successfully, not every eye cancer patient can say the same. However, even in the face of such a rare, life-altering disease, the hope of Debbie sets an example for many.
Young Firefighter Battling Eye Cancer
Erin McMillion, a young firefighter from Atlanta, was living her dream until her own health took a terrifying turn in May 2024. After experiencing blurred vision and persistent eye discomfort, she sought medical advice, reported Fox 5 News.
What doctors found was far more serious than anyone expected—ocular melanoma, a rare and aggressive eye cancer. For Erin, the news was devastating.
At just 35, she was at the peak of her career, physically strong and dedicated to her job. Now, she had to face the reality of this rare cancer, known for its aggressive nature and life-changing implications.
Erin underwent radiation therapy, which aimed to target the tumor without completely compromising her eyesight. She remained resilient throughout the grueling treatments, continuing to inspire her colleagues and loved ones.
Erin’s bravery in battling cancer while holding on to her passion is a testament to her ability to persevere in the face of fear.
While Erin’s diagnosis might have been a rare form of cancer, cancer diagnosis, in general, is no longer uncommon to firefighters.
TorHoerman Law notes that the Aqueous Film-forming Foam (AFFF) used widely as a fire extinguisher is found to be toxic. This is due to the presence of the deadly PFAS chemicals, which are linked to various types of cancer.
The AFFF foam cancer has led many brave firefighters to struggle with cancer, especially that of the bladder, colon, kidney, liver, and prostate. Efforts are made to come up with a safer alternative to the AFFF. However, its global phaseout can’t be expected to happen overnight.
Infant with Eye Cancer Had to Get his Left Eye Removed
Here’s the story of a young survivor of eye cancer.
Sol was just a few months old when his parents, Becky and Damien, noticed something odd about his left eye. It appeared to be a lazy eye, and initially, they weren’t too concerned. However, after an MRI and a whirlwind of medical consultations, their lives changed forever.
Doctors discovered that Sol had a primitive myxoid mesenchymal tumor of infancy, an extremely rare type of cancer growing behind his left eye. This wasn’t just any lazy eye – it was a ticking time bomb.
Despite his young age, Sol’s battle began with immediate treatments, reported Express UK. The aggressive tumor required multiple rounds of chemotherapy, which unfortunately didn’t slow its growth.
Ultimately, Becky and Damien had to make the heartbreaking decision to remove his left eye in hopes of stopping the spread. At just five months old, Sol underwent surgery to have his eye removed, a monumental moment for his family.
Dubbed “Super Sol” by those who love him, this brave infant continues to smile through the ordeal. His parents find strength in his resilience, even as they face the next challenge – preparing him for proton beam therapy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Which type of eye cancer is most common in children?
Retinoblastoma is the type of eye cancer that’s most commonly diagnosed in young children, with its average diagnosis age being 2 years. The cancer starts when the DNA of your eye cells undergoes a change. The cause behind this change remains unclear.
Can eye cancer spread to other body parts?
Cancer cells from your eyes generally spread to other organs after the cancer has reached stage 4. Intraocular Melanoma is the eye cancer most likely to spread, with a spread observed in over 40-50% of its cases. Most commonly, intraocular melanoma spreads to the liver.
Is eye cancer curable?
The curability of eye cancer depends on the stage at which it has been diagnosed in the patient. As long as the cancer hasn’t reached stage 4 and hasn’t spread to other organs, the chances of curing it completely are high.
Battling a disease as volatile and unpredictable as cancer is never easy, whether its recipient is an infant or someone in their golden years. Eye cancer – one of the rarest cancers – adds another layer of challenge to the mix, because of the mystery that surrounds it.
We’ve shared with you these stories in the hope that you broaden your knowledge of eye cancer. Armed with it, you might be able to support a loved one in dealing with it better.
