Choroidal Metastasis Treatment in Connecticut: Take Charge of Your Retinal Health
Malignant tumors from other areas of the body can spread into the eye. Choroidal metastasis is the most common form of intraocular cancer in adults. It occurs when cancer cells break away from a primary tumor, travel through the bloodstream, and settle in the choroid. Choroidal metastasis is a severe retinal condition that can significantly affect vision and overall health.
At Retina Consultants, P.C., patients receive compassionate, advanced care from the #1 retina-specific practice serving Connecticut. Among our experienced retinal team is Dr. Scott D. Walter, an ocular oncology specialist who performs more than 400 vitreoretinal surgeries annually. If you need diagnosis or treatment for choroidal metastasis, you can count on our practice for expert ocular oncology care in Connecticut.
What is choroidal metastasis?
The choroid is a layer of blood vessels located between the retina and the sclera (the white of the eye). Because the choroid has a rich blood supply, it can become a site where cancer cells from other parts of the body spread.
Choroidal metastases are most commonly associated with cancers from breast cancer (women) and lung cancer (men). However, choroidal metastasis can originate from the kidney, prostate, gastrointestinal, and skin cancer.
In about 18% of cases, the primary tumor is undetectable. In some cases, visual symptoms from choroidal metastasis may be the first sign of an undiagnosed cancer elsewhere in the body.
What are the symptoms of choroidal metastasis?
Choroidal metastasis rarely causes symptoms. However, if the tumor is behind the orbit, the eyeball will appear visibly displaced. If the metastasis is within the eye, patients may experience changes in their vision, including:
- Blurred vision
- Distorted vision
- Flashes or floaters
- Visual field loss
- Decreased central vision
- Retinal detachment-related symptoms
Waiting until symptoms appear can be too late to preserve your vision. Our retinal specialists recommend routine eye examinations for patients with a history of metastatic cancer.
How do you diagnose choroidal metastasis?
Unless the tumor is on the eyelid or too large, most intraocular eye cancers are not visible to the naked eye. At Retina Consultants, P.C., our vitreoretinal team used advanced diagnostic technology to evaluate ocular tumors with precision.
- Dilated retinal examination
- Optical coherence tomography (OCT)
- Fundus photography
- Fluorescein angiography
- Ocular ultrasound
Specialized retinal imaging and ultrasound testing help retina specialists identify characteristic features of these tumors and guide treatment planning. In many cases, retinal specialists coordinate with medical oncologists and other physicians to ensure comprehensive cancer care and treatment planning.
What are the treatment options for choroidal metastasis?
Unlike primary choroidal melanoma, these tumors can grow rapidly over a matter of weeks and may sometimes cause retinal detachment or vision changes. Prompt treatment is needed to preserve your eye health.
Treatment options include:
- Systemic cancer therapy: Choroidal metastasis originates from cancer elsewhere in the body. As such, systemic treatments such as chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, or hormone therapy may help control tumor growth within the eye.
- Radiation therapy: This targeted treatment helps shrink ocular tumors, reduce retinal swelling, and preserve vision.
- Intravitreal injections: Your retinal specialist may use specialized intraocular injections to help manage retinal swelling and other vision-threatening complications.
- Surgery: Although surgery is less commonly required for choroidal metastasis itself, vitreoretinal surgery may sometimes be necessary to address complications such as retinal detachment or vitreous hemorrhage.
Do you need treatment for choroidal metastasis in Connecticut?
We understand that a diagnosis involving cancer and vision changes can feel overwhelming. At Retina Consultants, P.C., we offer compassionate, patient-focused care to help you proceed with confidence and clarity. As the leading retina-specific practice in Connecticut, you can rely on our vitreoretinal team for expert-guided care for choroidal metastasis and other retinal conditions.
Ready to get started? Contact us at:
Hartford
Manchester
Cromwell
Farmington
