Mets Question
 

Hi All,

10 year breast cancer survivor, dx in 2005 with ER-PR-, Her2+++. Had lumpectomy, chemo, rads and 10 months of Herceptin.
Tested positive for BRAC gene had oophectomy in 2012 and prophylactic bilateral mastectomy in 2014 then reconstruction with TEs then switch to implants. Currently fighting off infections in hopes of being able to keep the implants (5 surgeries).

My question -- had an eye exam today and doctor stated he didn't see any signs of metastatic disease "in my body" after examining my eyes.

Can this be true? Can an eye exam reveal mets in the body or did he actually mean the eyes?

Thanks for your help.

Re: Mets Question
 

I really don't know but I'm guessing he meant your eyes, I know they can tell if a person has high cholestrol from their eyes but I wasn't aware of an eye Dr being able to tell if a person has mets to their body.

Re: Mets Question
 

I believe that in a way it can. Looking in the eye they can tell if you have melanoma of the eye or other malignant eye condition. Also, the potential of tumors of the brain depending on location. For example, a tumor could be symptomless but be pressing on eye structures so they look distorted or the color of the structure or optic nerve may not look right. But otherwise I don't think it can detect cancer in the body or other places in the brain

Re: Mets Question
 

I do not think so. Tumor markers are a good way to check, PET scan, or Bone scan. But also, it can truly be unusual pain or discomfort in organ area. Brain/spine need an MRI scan. I

Re: Mets Question
 

I thought this was an interesting article regarding what can be seen in the eye during an exam:

http://abcnews.go.com/Health/dozens-...ry?id=16111097

Re: Mets Question
 

I do know that at my most recent eye exam the doctor asked if I had started taking a beta blocker ( I had). He noted a significant lowering of the pressure in my eyes.

Re: Mets Question
 

He could see problems that affected the eyes or the blood pressure of the eyes. Not all or even most mets will show up in the eyes. I'm pretty sure he was just talking about just your eyes and not your entire body. :).