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Visual disturbances in advanced cancer patients: clinical observations
L Saita1, D Polastri, F De Conno
1Division of Pain Therapy and Palliative Care, Istituto Nazionale per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori, Milan, Italy.
Abstract:
Visual disturbances in advanced cancer patients are very rarely signaled, evaluated, or adequately treated. The main causes of sight disturbances are primary eye tumors, ocular metastases, and some paraneoplastic syndromes. Sight alteration can also be associated with asthenia, fatigue, anemia, and hypovitaminosis. These symptoms can be monocular or binocular, and their gravity and evolution can vary. Based on a survey of 156 patients, we estimate the prevalence of visual disturbances to be 12% in advanced cancer patients.
Insights
Visual disturbances affect 12% of advanced cancer patients, often stemming from eye tumors or related syndromes. Early detection and treatment are crucial for managing these sight alterations in cancer care.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Ophthalmology
- Cancer Care
Background:
- Visual disturbances are underrecognized in advanced cancer.
- Causes include primary eye tumors, ocular metastases, and paraneoplastic syndromes.
- Symptoms can be linked to general cancer-related conditions like fatigue and anemia.
Purpose of the Study:
- To estimate the prevalence of visual disturbances in advanced cancer patients.
- To highlight the underdiagnosis and undertreatment of visual issues in this population.
Main Methods:
- A survey was conducted among 156 patients with advanced cancer.
- Data collected focused on the presence and characteristics of visual disturbances.
Main Results:
- 12% of surveyed advanced cancer patients reported visual disturbances.
- The prevalence suggests a significant unmet need for ophthalmic evaluation in oncology.
Conclusions:
- Visual disturbances are a notable complication in advanced cancer.
- There is a critical need for systematic screening and management of visual symptoms in advanced cancer patients.