Page 35 - The Freckled Eye - Book

Generally, the larger the choroidal melanoma the poorer the prognosis for

both metastasis and vision.

Patients frequently ask why they suffer from a choroidal melanoma. Choroidal

melanoma is more frequent among patients having outdoor professions, those

having blue vs. brown eyes and where there is an ozone hole. Thus, it seems

realistic to assume (though unverified) that choroidal melanoma is connected

to sunlight (ultraviolet exposure). In that, sunlight exposure has been linked to

several eye cancers and diseases of the eye.

Further outpatient care

Regardless of the treatment modality selected, patients having choroidal

melanomas have to be observed cautiously and for several years. This is

mostly true for small tumors, when the diagnosis is not proven clearly. Close

observation and size of the extents of the tumors with any of the diagnostic

means stated earlier is essential.

Repeat examinations typically are done around every 3 months primarily, and

if no changes are noticed, supplement care is done every 6 months. If

development of the lesion is discovered, think of further treatment. Choroidal

melanomas may possibly show size deterioration starting many months once

being treated with plaque brachytherapy or external beam irradiation. The

goal of effective treatment is not necessarily decrease in size but long-term

seizure of the tumor’s development.

Repeat examinations and imaging tests are done after every treatment

modalities because of the likelihood of extra-ocular or intraocular tumor