Lacrimal gland oncopathologies are highly aggressive malignant diseases that are diagnosed extremely rarely. The rapid growth of the tumor 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 essential 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 tumor 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 commonly developing in the outer area of the upper eyelid. Neoplasms are characterized by rapid growth, spreading to the bony tissue of the orbit, regional lymph nodes, and the brain even at early stages of the disease. Neurological symptoms developing in some patients may be due to the involvement of the trigeminal nerve in the pathological process.
The characteristics of the tumor, its histotype, size, presence of distant metastases, and several other factors are considered by Israeli ocular oncologists when developing a treatment program.
Surgical Treatment
Surgical removal of the tumor is the primary and most effective method of treatment. Research shows that organ-preserving procedures, during which the tumor is excised while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible, are only possible at the initial stage of the disease, in the absence of tumor spread and distant metastatic foci. Given the aggressiveness of this type of tumor and the involvement of neighboring structures 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 pathological process involves the bones of the skull, affected fragments are also removed. The defect resulting from the intervention is later corrected through reconstructive plastic surgery, using modern prosthetics and implants.
Ophthalmic surgical procedures 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 tumor. After surgery, an adjuvant radiotherapy course is conducted to destroy any remaining malignant cells 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 tumor 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 radiation is indicated.
In Israeli clinics, radiotherapy is conducted 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 tumor impossible, radiotherapy is considered the primary treatment method. Certainly, it is not as effective as to completely eliminate the malignant tumor, but it allows for the normalization of the patient's condition, significantly improving and prolonging their life.
Chemotherapy
The administration of chemotherapeutic agents is of limited effectiveness in cases of lacrimal gland cancers. Chemotherapy is most often 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 tumor and facilitate its subsequent removal.
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How the Diagnosis of the Disease is Conducted
Rapid and accurate diagnosis is given special attention in Israeli clinics, as it 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, a definitive diagnosis requires no more than three days.
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 test 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 tumor;
- biopsy — obtaining a sample of tumor tissue for subsequent laboratory histological analysis to determine its histotype;
- radionuclide scan.
Third Day
After the patient has undergone examinations, a medical council consisting of the treating ocular oncologist and several specialized experts reviews the results obtained and develops a treatment program.
What is the Cost of Treatment for the Disease
The final cost depends on many factors and is determined after the diagnostic examination. Overall, 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 techniques and medications.
- Accurate diagnosis 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 and allow them to live a normal life. For this, it is essential to choose a clinic as soon as possible and entrust health to oncologists who are among the best specialists in the world.