The retina is the transparent, light-sensitive structure at the back of the eye. Cancers affecting the retina usually occur in the choroid, a dense layer of blood vessels that supplies the retina. The choroid is sandwiched between the retina and the sclera (the outer white layer of the eye). Because the retina depends on the choroid for its support and half of its blood supply, damage to the choroid by a cancer is likely to affect vision. (See also Overview of Retinal Disorders.)
Choroidal melanoma
Choroidal melanoma is a cancer that originates from the pigment-producing cells (melanocytes) of the choroid. Choroidal melanoma is the most common cancer originating in the eye. It is most common among White people. It occurs most frequently at age 55 to 60.
Symptoms of Choroidal Melanoma
In its early stages, choroidal melanoma usually does not interfere with vision. Later, it may cause blurred vision or retinal detachment, with symptoms such as flashes of light, a veil or curtain across the visual field, or a sudden increase or change in floaters (objects that appear to move through a person's field of vision). Melanomas, particularly if large, may extend into the orbit or spread through the bloodstream (metastasize) to other parts of the body and may be fatal.
Diagnosis of Choroidal Melanoma
A doctor's examination of the eye
Other tests
Early diagnosis of choroidal melanoma is important because smaller tumors are easier to cure.
The diagnosis is made using an ophthalmoscope and doing tests, which may include ultrasonography, , and serial photographs.
Treatment of Choroidal Melanoma
For small tumors, laser, radiation, or a radioactive implant
For large tumors, removal of the eye
If the melanoma is small, treatment with a laser, radiation, or an implant of radioactive materials may preserve vision and save the eye.
If the cancer is large, the eye may have to be removed.
Choroidal metastases
Choroidal metastases are cancers that have spread to the choroid from other parts of the body. Because of its rich blood supply, the choroid is often a place to which cancers from other parts of the body may spread. In women, breast cancer is the most common cause. In men, cancers of the lung are the most common causes.
Symptoms of Choroidal Metastases
Often, choroidal metastases cause no symptoms until they are advanced. Symptoms, when they develop, are often loss of vision or symptoms of detachment of the retina such as floaters, flashes of light, blurred vision, and a veil or curtain across the field of vision. Vision loss can range from mild to severe.
Diagnosis of Choroidal Metastases
A doctor's examination of the eye
Usually ultrasonography
Biopsy
The diagnosis of choroidal metastases is sometimes made during a routine eye examination with an ophthalmoscope. The diagnosis is aided by ultrasonography.
Confirmation of the diagnosis may involve using a fine needle to remove a sample of tissue for examination under a microscope (biopsy).
Treatment of Choroidal Metastases
Chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy
Treatment of choroidal metastases depends on the primary cancer and is usually with chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or both.
More Information
The following English-language resource may be useful. Please note that THE MANUAL is not responsible for the content of this resource.
National Eye Institute: A resource for learning about eye health (in English and Spanish) for adults and children, as well as for providing access to outreach campaigns. Simply type in the appropriate search term.
