Lacrimal gland oncopathologies are highly aggressive malignant diseases that are diagnosed extremely rarely. The rapid growth of the tumour and the spread of metastases even at early stages lead to an unfavorable prognosis, which Israeli specialists manage to improve. Treatment of lacrimal gland cancer in Israel is conducted according to international protocols, using highly effective methods. The high effectiveness is also explained by a personalized approach to therapy, according to which an individual comprehensive treatment program is developed for each patient.
High-tech equipment available in the diagnostic centers of Israeli clinics allows for quick and accurate diagnosis, which is necessary for the prompt start of treatment. Oncologists in Israel, many of whom are recognized worldwide and are members of international oncology associations, professionally perform the most complex ophthalmic surgeries. Specialists strive to safely remove the oncological formation and prevent the spread of the pathological process. Comprehensive therapy eliminates painful symptoms and improves the quality of life for more than 80% of patients. At the same time, the cost of treatment is significantly lower than in European and American clinics.
Treatment Methods for the Disease
Among the oncopathologies of the lacrimal gland, there are various types of neoplasms, most of which develop in the outer area of the upper eyelid. Neoplasms are characterized by rapid size increase, spreading into the bony tissue of the orbit, regional lymph nodes, and the brain even at the early stages of the disease. Symptoms of neurological disorders that develop in some patients may be due to involvement of the trigeminal nerve in the pathological process.
The characteristics of the oncological formation, its histotype, size, presence of distant metastases, and a number of other factors are taken into account by Israeli ocular oncologists when developing the treatment program.
Surgical Treatment
Surgical removal of the oncological formation is the main and most effective method of treatment. Studies show that organ-preserving procedures, during which the neoplasm is excised while preserving the maximum volume of healthy tissues, are only possible at the initial stage of the disease, in the absence of the spread of the malignant process and distant metastatic foci. Considering the aggressiveness of this type of oncological formation and the involvement of neighboring structures even at early stages, organ-preserving surgery is contraindicated for most patients.
In Israeli clinics, in such cases, exenteration of the orbit is performed — a surgical intervention aimed at removing all its contents. If the bones of the skull are involved in the pathological process, affected fragments are removed simultaneously. The defect resulting from the intervention is later corrected through reconstructive plastic surgery, using modern prosthetics and implants.
Ophthalmic surgical operations require the highest qualifications and experience from the surgeon. Patient reviews confirm that Israeli ophthalmic surgeons professionally perform such interventions, making every effort to minimize the volume of damaged tissues, reduce the likelihood of postoperative complications, and facilitate the recovery period.
Radiotherapy
The treatment program for lacrimal gland oncopathologies necessarily includes a course of radiotherapy in conjunction with surgical removal of the neoplasm. After surgery, an adjuvant radiotherapy course is conducted, aimed at destroying single malignant cells that remain in the affected area. This increases the effectiveness of surgical treatment and significantly prevents the development of recurrence. If an organ-preserving surgical intervention with local excision of the oncological formation was performed, Israeli doctors prescribe close-focus external beam radiotherapy, during which the orbit is irradiated from a close distance of just a few centimeters. After exenteration, standard external beam irradiation is indicated.
In Israeli clinics, radiotherapy is performed on advanced Novalis TrueBeamSTx systems using modern technologies that ensure precise irradiation of the affected area while minimizing the negative impact of ionizing radiation on healthy tissues.
If a patient has reasons that make surgical removal of the oncological formation impossible, radiotherapy is considered the primary treatment method. Of course, it is not as effective as to completely eliminate the malignant tumour, but it allows for normalizing the patient's condition, significantly improving and prolonging their life.
Chemotherapy
The administration of chemotherapy drugs is poorly effective in cases of lacrimal gland oncological diseases. Most often, chemotherapy is prescribed to eliminate distant metastases, which, in addition to lymph nodes, are found in the lungs, brain, and spinal cord. This method is usually combined with radiotherapy. If a significant-sized neoplasm is diagnosed, chemotherapy is prescribed before surgical intervention to reduce the size of the tumour and facilitate its subsequent removal.
How the Diagnosis of the Disease is Conducted
Particular attention is paid to the rapid and accurate diagnosis in Israeli clinics, as this determines the effectiveness of the developed therapeutic scheme and the success of treatment. If there is a suspicion of lacrimal gland oncopathology, the patient is urgently referred for a comprehensive diagnostic examination, which includes methods that provide doctors with the necessary information. In Israeli clinics, it takes no more than three days to establish a definitive diagnosis.
First Day
During the initial consultation, the leading ocular oncologist reviews the patient's medical history, studies the results of previous examinations, conducts a superficial examination, and prescribes necessary additional tests.
Second Day
Completion of the prescribed examinations, including:
- general and biochemical blood tests;
- blood tests for specific tumor markers;
- ultrasound of the eye — detection of neoplasm and determination of its structure;
- X-ray — visual examination of the neoplasm, assessment of the integrity of the bony tissue;
- CT — a method that allows for precise determination of the size, location, and shape of the oncological formation;
- biopsy — obtaining a sample of the tumour tissue for subsequent laboratory histological analysis to determine its histotype;
- radioisotope scan.
Third Day
After the patient has undergone examinations, a medical council consisting of the treating ocular oncologist and several narrow-profile specialists reviews the results obtained and develops a treatment program.
How Much Does Treatment of the Disease Cost
The final cost depends on many factors and is determined after the diagnostic examination. In general, the price of treatment in Israeli clinics is accessible to medical tourists and is 30-50% lower than in medical centers in Western Europe and the USA.
Advantages of Treatment in Israel
- High level of qualification and experience of ocular oncologists.
- Treatment using innovative safe methods and drugs.
- Accurate diagnostics on the latest equipment.
- Development of an individual comprehensive treatment program.
- Affordable prices.
In cases of lacrimal gland cancer, it is possible to normalize the patient's condition, allowing them to live a normal life. To achieve this, it is necessary to choose a clinic as soon as possible and entrust health to oncologists who are among the best specialists in the world.