Preserve Your Eye Health with Choroidal Melanoma Treatment
Are you seeking diagnosis or treatment for choroidal melanoma in Hartford, Connecticut? Trust Retina Consultants, P.C. for advanced oncology care. We are proud to provide ocular oncology services, helping patients detect, monitor, and treat this condition with expertise and care.
What is choroidal melanoma?
Choroidal melanoma occurs when malignant (cancerous) cells develop inside the tissue of the eye called the choroid. Choroidal melanoma is the most common primary eye cancer in adults. Melanoma of the eye can also form in the iris or ciliary body. While it is rare, early detection is crucial for preserving vision and improving treatment outcomes.
What are the early signs of choroidal melanoma?
Many people with choroidal melanoma don’t notice any symptoms in the early stages. However, some signs may appear, including:
- Blurred or distorted vision in one eye
- Flashes of light or “floaters” that move across your vision
- A dark spot in the eye, visible during a routine exam
- Loss of peripheral vision or changes in color perception
- A sensation of a shadow or curtain in part of your visual field
Unlike skin melanoma, which is often visible on the surface, choroidal melanoma develops inside the eye. Because it may not initially cause symptoms, routine eye exams are essential.
How do you diagnose choroidal melanoma?
Our retina specialists usually diagnose choroidal melanoma using a combination of eye exams and imaging tests. During a dilated eye exam, the doctor carefully looks inside your eye. They may also take photographs of the eye and use tools such as ultrasound, optical coherence tomography (OCT), or fluorescein angiography to visualize the tumor clearly.
Unlike many other cancers, a biopsy is typically not necessary to confirm a diagnosis of choroidal melanoma. The diagnosis is often made based on the exam and imaging alone. However, if the tumor looks atypical, we may perform a biopsy and genetic testing to help guide treatment.
What are the treatment options for choroidal melanoma?
The good news is that early-stage choroidal melanoma is treatable, and in many cases, it can be controlled without requiring removal of the eye. Treatments vary depending on the size and location of the tumor, and may include:
- Radiation therapy to target the tumor while preserving healthy tissue
- Laser treatment for tiny lesions
- Surgical removal in advanced cases
Regular monitoring is also critical, even after treatment, to detect any changes in the tumor or early signs of recurrence. Our team of ocular oncology specialists works closely with each patient to provide personalized care and ongoing support.
Why should I choose Retina Consultants, P.C.?
We are proud to be the only ocular oncology service in Connecticut. Under the guidance of our ocular oncology-trained specialist, Dr. Scott Walter, we combine advanced technology with personalized care to effectively diagnose and treat eye cancers. From the first consultation to treatment and follow-up, we focus on ensuring that every patient receives the best possible outcomes. Additionally, we have five convenient locations across the state. This means expert ocular oncology care is always nearby.
Where can I find an ocular oncology specialist in Hartford?
The prospect of eye cancer can be daunting. However, early detection and treatment make a significant difference. If you require expert care for choroidal melanoma, the specialists at Retina Consultants, P.C. are here to assist you.
Contact us at any of our five convenient locations in Connecticut:
Hartford
Manchester
Cromwell
Farmington
