Ocular Oncology

Ocular Oncology

A choroidal naevus is a dark brown patch that arises through the pigment-producing cells in the choroid, which is one of the layers at the back of the eye. It can go undetected for sometime.  They don’t cause symptoms and are usually picked up incidentally during an eye exam. They don’t typically require treatment, but they should be monitored as they can develop into choroidal melanoma, a form of cancer.

Choroidal melanoma is the most common malignant tumour arising from the eye in adults. It is distinct from skin melanoma, and is typically observed in older adults with fair skin. They can arise from choroidal naevus (1% lifetime risk) or spontaneously. Management usually involves radiation or surgery, along with regular follow up assessments including systemic investigations to detect late tumour spread.

This type of tumour also originates in the choroid and is composed of an abnormal collection of blood vessels. Unlike choroidal melanomas they do not spread to other parts of the body. However, they can affect vision depending on their location. Haemangiomas can leak fluid into the macula and can impair vision. Photodynamic therapy is the primary treatment for this condition, and through Auckland Eye, Dr Bhikoo is one of only a few Ophthalmologists to be able to offer this treatment in New Zealand.

Iris tumours don’t typically cause symptoms and are usually identified visually, including during an eye examination. In contrast to choroidal melanomas, they less commonly spread to other parts of the body. Most iris melanomas can be watched by an ocular oncologist, however if growth is observed then treatment with radiation or surgery is required. 

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