What is choroidal melanoma?
Choroidal melanoma is a type of cancer growth that comes from the choroid, an eye tissue layer that covers the retina. It is a relatively rare form of cancer, which usually affects people over 55 years. Choroidal melanoma usually does not cause physical symptoms in its early stages, but in the end it can lead to vision problems. The preferred course of the treatment of low growth is a specialized type of radiation therapy. Surgery to remove the affected eye is considered to be the final way to prevent the spread of cancer to other parts of the body. Choroidal melanoma initially occurs in these pigments and forms a tumor that spreads through the choroid. The tumor may not cause any physical symptoms if it does not grow near the lens in front of the eye or optical nerve at its base. Cancer, which spreads in these places, however, lead to blurred and distorted vision. A person may notice dark floating places or be able to concentrate his vision directly forward.
The exact causes of the choroidal melanoma are not well understood. People who have a light -colored irises and those who spend a lot of time in the sun are exposed to the highest risk of developing a condition. In addition, some studies suggest that genetic inheritance can play a role in eye development.
In most cases, choroidal melanoma is first recorded during a routine eye test with an ophthalmologist. The doctor may notice unusual pigmentation in the eye or see the tumor itself during a close examination. Other diagnostic tests, such as echographs and ultrasound, can help confirm the presence of a tumor. After confirming the diagnosis, the eye physician usually concerns patients specialists in more thorough screening and learn about treatment options.
Choroidal melanoma tends to respond well to radiation treatment when tumors are small. Specialists can place a layer of radioactive plaque to destroy cancer tissue while protecting OKOle healthy tissue. Some surgeons prefer to use the beam irradiation procedures that include the routing of the concentrated helium ion beam directly on the tumor. If cancer grows large enough to disrupt vision, the surgeons may have to remove the entire eye in the procedure called enucleation.
After treatment, patients are usually instructed to plan regular meetings with their ophthalmologists to ensure that the tumors do not return. Since choroidal melanoma is often not found until it starts to spread, a large number of patients suffer from secondary cancer problems. If choroidal melanoma is spreading, further radiation or chemotherapy may be necessary, the Eye is necessary.