Choroidal melanoma is a rare cancer that affects the choroid layer of the eye and can lead to vision problems. It is usually diagnosed during routine eye exams and can be treated with radiation therapy or surgery. Light-colored irises and sun exposure may increase the risk of developing the condition. Regular follow-up appointments are recommended to monitor for recurrence or spread.
Choroidal melanoma is a type of cancerous growth that originates in the choroid, a layer of eye tissue that covers the retina. It is a relatively rare form of cancer that usually afflicts people over the age of 55. Choroidal melanoma typically causes no physical symptoms in its early stages, but it can eventually lead to vision problems. The preferred course of treatment for a small growth is a specialized type of radiation therapy. Surgery to remove the affected eye is considered a final option to prevent the cancer from spreading to other parts of the body.
The choroid layer of the eye contains melanin, a special type of pigment that helps reflect light, produce clear visual images, and provide coloration to the iris. Choroidal melanoma first manifests itself in these pigments and forms a tumor that spreads through the choroid. A tumor may not cause any physical symptoms unless it grows near the lens at the front of the eye or the optic nerve at its base. Cancers that spread to these places, however, can lead to blurry and distorted vision. A person may notice dark floating spots or be unable to focus their vision straight ahead.
The exact causes of choroidal melanoma are not well understood by doctors. People who have light-colored irises and those who spend a lot of time in the sunlight appear to be at a higher risk of developing the condition. Additionally, some studies suggest that genetic inheritance may play a role in the development of eye cancers.
In most cases, choroidal melanoma is first noticed during a routine eye exam with an ophthalmologist. Your doctor may notice unusual pigmentation in your eye or see the tumor itself upon close examination. Additional diagnostic tests, such as ultrasounds and ultrasounds, can help confirm the presence of a tumor. After confirming a diagnosis, the ophthalmologist usually refers the patient to cancer specialists for more thorough screening and to learn about treatment options.
Choroidal melanoma tends to respond well to radiation treatments when the tumors are small. Specialists can place a layer of radioactive plaque on a tumor to destroy cancerous tissue while protecting surrounding healthy tissue. Some surgeons prefer to use beam irradiation procedures, which involve directing a focused beam of helium ions directly at the tumor. If the tumor grows large enough to disturb your vision, surgeons may have to remove the entire eye in a procedure called enucleation.
After treatment, patients are usually instructed to make regular appointments with their ophthalmologists to ensure the tumors don’t come back. Because choroidal melanoma often goes undetected until it has already begun to spread, a large number of patients suffer from secondary cancer problems. Additional treatment with radiation or chemotherapy may be needed if choroidal melanoma spreads beyond the eye.
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