Pickleball-Related Eye Injuries
Pickleball-related eye injuries are on the rise due to the sport’s rapid growth in the United States, especially among adults aged 50 and older
Basal Cell Carcinoma
Patients with basal cell carcinomas most commonly notice a reddish nodule slowly forming on their eyelid. The tumor is most commonly found on the lower eyelid, followed by the medial canthus and may also occur on the upper eyelid. Eyelash loss around the tumor suggests that a basal cell carcinoma is malignant.
Less commonly, basal cell cancers can be pigmented or present without any nodule at all. When the tumor does not make a nodule and grows within the eyelid, it can induce pulling of the eyelid . This form of basal cell carcinoma “morpheaform,” is much more difficult to cure because its edges are harder to define.
DIAGNOSIS
Though small tumors can be photographed and followed for evidence of growth (prior to biopsy); once the eye cancer specialist suspects basal cell carcinoma, most eye cancer specialists will suggest tumor biopsy. This specimen is sent to the pathologist to confirm the diagnosis prior to complete removal or treatment of the tumor. Biopsies can be performed in the doctor’s office, or in the operating room prior to definitive treatment.
TREATMENTS
Once the diagnosis is confirmed by the pathologist, treatment is recommended. Wedge resection and Moh’s surgery require the Eye surgeon continue to remove the tumor until the margins (edges) are negative, i.e.,free of tumor. Unlike most skin, the eyelids are a complex functional apparatus that requires special reconstruction techniques.
Most basal cell carcinomas are cured when they are small. Unfortunately, some patients choose to ignore or deny the existence of these tumors. Those patients allow their tumor to invade behind the eyeball and that becomes difficult or impossible to remove. In these cases, combinations of surgery, radiation and chemotherapy may be required to control or destroy the tumor.
PREVENTION
1. Protect against UV rays 2. Stay in the shade 3. Apply sunscreen, High SPF, water resistant 4. Cover up, clothing can provide a great barrier against the sun’s UV rays. Clothing protection is consistent over time and does not wear off like sunscreen does.
You Might Also Enjoy...
Mouth Breathing
Mouth breathing occurs when a person breathes primarily through the mouth rather than the nose, often due to nasal obstruction or other health issues
ALS(Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis)
ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) is a progressive and fatal neurodegenerative disease affecting nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord that control voluntary muscles, leading to muscle weakness, paralysis, and ultimately respiratory failure.
Common Hormones and Their Nicknames
Many hormones also have scientific abbreviations and are grouped by chemical classes (e.g., peptide, steroid, amine). The nicknames often come from their most prominent and publicized effects on health or behavior.
EYES are a WINDOW to the KIDNEYS
"Eyes are a window to the kidneys" is a medically relevant concept, suggesting that eye conditions, particularly those affecting the retina and its microvasculature, can indicate the presence and progression of kidney disease and other systemic conditions
Erysipelas vs. Cellulitis
Erysipelas is a bacterial infection of the skin's upper layers and lymphatic vessels. It is a more superficial infection than cellulitis and is often called "St. Anthony's Fire" due to its fiery, red appearance. Cellulitis involves deeper tissues.