Comprehensive diagnosis and precision treatment helped preserve eyesight while treating cancer spread to multiple organs
Mumbai, 29th September: A 50-year-old man from Africa, who had been experiencing gradually worsening vision, successfully underwent advanced treatment for metastatic sarcoma at HCG Cancer Hospital, Colaba recently. What initially appeared to be a tumor behind the eye was later diagnosed as cancer that had spread from a previously treated sarcoma in his leg. Through timely diagnosis, precision radiation therapy, and systemic chemotherapy, doctors were able to preserve his vision while treating the disease comprehensively.
The patient had first sought medical attention after noticing a steady decline in vision. An MRI scan performed at a tertiary care hospital revealed a tumor behind the eye surrounding the optic nerve. He was then referred to HCG Cancer Hospital, Colaba for further treatment.
During a detailed evaluation, the oncology team reviewed the patient’s medical history and found that he had previously undergone surgery and radiotherapy for sarcoma in his right leg, approximately 15 months before arriving at the HCG Cancer Hospital. Considering this history, doctors advised a whole-body PET-CT scan to determine whether the disease had spread.
The PET-CT scan not only revealed the tumor behind the eye but also suspicious lesions in the lungs. A biopsy of the lung lesion later confirmed metastatic sarcoma, changing the diagnosis from an isolated eye tumor to cancer that had spread to multiple sites. “Sarcoma most commonly spreads to the lungs after treatment. Less than 5% of cases spread to the brain, and while for the eyes, it is extremely rare. Across the world, fewer than 100 documented cases of intraocular (inside the eye) or orbital (eye socket) metastases from primary soft tissue or bone sarcomas have been recorded. Thereby this case was an highly unusual presentation. The patient was referred to our centre for CyberKnife, which are very fewer worldwide a specialized treatment that is available only in a few centres across the world,” Dr. Unmesh Mukherjee, Consultant, Radiation Oncology, HCG Cancer Hospital, Colaba said.
After discussion by the multidisciplinary team, a personalized treatment plan was prepared. Under the expertise of Dr. Mukherjee, the patient underwent fractionated Stereotactic Radiation Therapy in five sessions for the tumor behind the eye. At the same time, systemic chemotherapy was started to treat the disease in his lungs.
Doctors informed that post treatment, the patient’s vision improved while his chemotherapy is still ongoing. They mentioned that his disease is under control and has not progressed as of the last follow-up conducted by them. He is also back in his hometown in Africa.
Sharing further details, Dr. Mukherjee said, “Vision loss can sometimes be the first sign of an underlying cancer. In this case, a detailed clinical evaluation and complete staging helped us identify that the eye tumor was actually a metastatic lesion. This allowed us to plan treatment that not only protected the patient’s vision but also addressed the disease throughout the body.”
He added further, “Treating tumors located close to the optic nerve requires extreme precision. Fractionated Stereotactic Radiation Therapy enabled us to accurately target the tumor while minimizing radiation exposure to nearby healthy structures. Combined with systemic chemotherapy, this approach helped us deliver effective treatment while preserving the patient’s quality of life.”
The doctors highlighted that the case highlighted the importance of thorough clinical evaluation and multidisciplinary cancer care. By looking beyond the presenting symptom and carrying out comprehensive staging, the medical team was able to diagnose metastatic sarcoma accurately and provide timely treatment.
At the same time, using stereotactic radiation therapy between chemotherapy cycles has optimized control rates and enhanced convenience for patients. The case also demonstrated how advanced radiation techniques and coordinated cancer care can help preserve vital functions such as vision while effectively treating complex metastatic cancers.
HCG Cancer Hospital (Colaba)
HCG Cancer Hospital, Colaba is a dedicated comprehensive cancer centre in Mumbai with the aim of providing consistently high quality and result oriented cancer treatment by adopting global innovations. With the latest technology and expertise to treat cancer, HCG Cancer Hospital, Colaba is emerging as one of the best cancer centre in Mumbai, India. This cancer centre is a state-of-the-art institute equipped with the latest oncological facilities. The centre provides quality cancer care across surgical, radiation & medical oncology all under one roof with a complete range of diagnostics.