Choroidal Melanoma
What is Choroidal Melanoma? Choroidal melanoma is the most common primary intraocular (occurring inside the eye) tumor in adults. The tumor can lead to a numerous amount of other eye diseases. Treatment for choroidal melanoma is extremely important in order to avoid the tumor growing in height, diameter, or spreading to other organs within the body. When the choroidal melanoma is located in the front of the eye, it can push your natural lens causing irregular astigmatism. If it is located in the macula, it can cause a patient to become far-sighted, have loss of vision or changes in color perception. Choroidal melanoma can also lead to retinal detachment. Do I have Choroidal Melanoma? Because the tumor is intraocular and not visible, patients with this disease may not know they have it until it has grown to a degree of causing impaired vision. Most choroidal melanoma patients actually show no symptoms other than “flashing lights”, floaters or loss of vision. The melanoma is most occasionally discovered during routine eye examinations, using an ophthalmoscopy— which is a non-invasive technique. Choroidal melanoma can vary from size— small, medium, or large. Several treatments are available for choroidal melanoma. Many factors are taken into account when deciding which treatment would be best, considering cases vary with every patient. For information and consultation regarding treatment for choroidal melanoma, contact our main office at (405) 607-6699.