Page 30 - The Freckled Eye - Book

· Choroidal melanoma may perhaps remain unobserved below a sub-retinal

hemorrhage, a huge exudative retinal detachment, or a vitreous hemorrhage

· Transscleral development of a frontal choroidal melanoma (primarily via

emissary paths) may come into view on examination as a small sub-conjunctiva

part of atypical hyperpigmentation

· Frontal choroidal melanomas may possibly show sentinel vessels that nurture

the metabolically active tumor

DIAGNOSIS OF CHOROIDAL MELANOMA

Nearly all cases of choroidal melanoma are discovered during a regular,

dilated eye exam. During this exam, an eye consultant or specialist

(ophthalmologist) widens the pupils to inspect the back of the eye. Most of the

time, no other tests are required. But specified tests can prove the diagnosis.

These tests consist of

· Ultrasound. A little probe positioned on the eye directs sound waves in relation

to the tumor. A machine records the patterns the waves produce as they bounce

off the tumor.

· Fluorescein angiography. A fluorescent dye is infused into the vein of an arm. A

rapid series of photographs is captured through the pupil as the dye goes

through the veins in the rear of the eye.