Page 31 - The Freckled Eye - Book

Once a choroidal melanoma has been identified or diagnosed, a magnetic

resonance imaging (MRI) scan may be arranged. This can assist doctors to

further assess the tumor’s features.

HOW CHOROIDAL MELANOMA DEVELOPS

Primary choroidal melanoma results from melanocytes in the choroid. Nearly

all choroidal melanomas are thought to grow from preexisting melanocytic

nevi, however de novo growth of choroidal melanomas likewise happens.

Three different cell types are identified in choroidal as well as other uveal

melanomas: (1) spindle A, (2) spindle B, and (3) epithelioid. The last cell type

typically has the most hostile behavior and transmits a weaker prognosis for

the patient’s lasting survival.

Choroidal melanomas may well have inconstant coloration, going from darkly

pigmented to completely amelanotic. They naturally are dome-shaped. As

they develop, if they get through the Bruch membrane, they can adopt a

mushroom arrangement. Other shapes discovered for these tumors are

bilobular, multilobular, and diffuse. The last of these is distinguished by lateral

growth all through the choroid with slight rise; it happens in around 5% of

incidents. Seldom, choroidal melanomas may possibly develop in a multi-

centric distribution in one or both eyes.

Choroidal melanomas have an effect on the retinal pigment epithelium as they

drive contrary to it and deny it of typical choroidal circulation. Overlying retinal