Surfer?s eye a possible sign of cancer

Commonly known as ‘surfer’s eye’, pterygium is generally thought of as a benign condition. However, a study involving the medical records of more than 24,000 people who underwent hospital treatment for the condition between 1979 and 2014 has suggested it can be a sign of something much more sinister.{{quote-A:R-W:450-I:2-Q:“Health professionals who see patients with a developing pterygium are well placed to alert these patients to the increased risk of developing melanoma,”-WHO:David Mackey}}According to study co-author Profess David Mackey from the Lions Eye Institute, the discovery of a strong link between pterygium and the most deadly form of skin cancer – melanoma – provides a possible tool for the early detection of the disease.“Pterygium may appear many years before the melanoma. In this study, 66% of melanomas were diagnosed after pterygium surgery,” he said.“Health professionals who see patients with a developing pterygium are well placed to alert these patients to the increased risk of developing melanoma, to recommend lifestyle changes and to promote regular skin checks because early detection of melanoma can save lives.”Domestic melanoma incidence rates have been steadily increasing, with 15% proving fatal. Australians also have one of the highest rates of pterygia in the world at around 1.1%, but this rate rises to 12% in men over the age of 60.While not cancerous, the fleshy growth on the surface of the eye can sometimes cover the pupil and lead to vision probls. As it’s caused by excessive exposure to sun, dust or wind, treatment usually involves protection against ongoing exposure to ultraviolet radiation (UVR) or ointments where there is eye irritation, but surgery is also an option in some cases.Mackey said it was important for researchers to define safe UVR exposure limits for Australians that balanced minimising the incidence and mortality from melanoma, with the need to maintain adequate Vitamin D levels and potentially reduce the risk of myopia.More information:  The full study