Woman Diagnosed with Eye Melanoma After Persistent Pain
Lauren McLean, a 26-year-old from Dallas, Texas, received a life-altering diagnosis. Doctors found ocular melanoma, a rare form of eye cancer, in her left eye. Her only symptom was intermittent pain. This pain would come and go for months.
Early Symptoms and Search for Answers
McLean first felt pain in her eye in February 2023. She described it as a dull, constant ache. The pain was often worse at night. Initially, she dismissed it as a headache or eye strain. However, the discomfort persisted for months. She visited an urgent care clinic. They suggested she might have an eye infection. She received antibiotics. However, the pain continued.
In May 2023, McLean saw an ophthalmologist. The doctor suspected a corneal abrasion. This is a scratch on the clear front surface of the eye. Despite various treatments, the pain did not stop. She then consulted a retina specialist. This doctor discovered a tumor in the back of her left eye. The tumor was located near her optic nerve. A biopsy confirmed it was uveal melanoma. This is a type of ocular melanoma.
Understanding Ocular Melanoma
Ocular melanoma is a rare and aggressive cancer. It forms in the cells that produce pigment. These cells are called melanocytes. The uvea is the middle layer of the eye wall. It includes the iris, ciliary body, and choroid. Uveal melanoma is the most common type of eye cancer in adults. However, it is still very uncommon. It affects about six out of every one million Americans each year. This cancer often presents without clear symptoms. Vision changes are sometimes noted. These include blurry vision or dark spots. Pain is a less common initial symptom.
Treatment and Recovery Journey
McLean underwent treatment at MD Anderson Cancer Center. Her initial treatment involved proton radiation therapy. This therapy aims to destroy cancer cells. The tumor shrunk after radiation. However, it began to grow again months later. Her medical team then recommended enucleation. This procedure involves surgical removal of the eye. McLean had her left eye removed in January 2024. She now uses a prosthetic eye. Her recovery has been challenging. Nevertheless, she remains positive. She credits her support system for helping her through this time.
Advocacy and Awareness
McLean now shares her story widely. She wants to raise awareness about ocular melanoma. She emphasizes the importance of routine eye exams. Many people only see an optometrist for vision correction. However, regular dilated eye exams can detect serious conditions. These conditions include various eye diseases and cancers. Early detection significantly improves treatment outcomes. Her message encourages everyone to prioritize eye health. This is especially true if any unusual symptoms arise. Prompt medical attention can be life-saving.
Her experience highlights a critical public health message. Do not ignore persistent pain or unusual symptoms. Seek multiple medical opinions if necessary. Regular check-ups are key to maintaining overall health. This includes comprehensive eye examinations.
