choroid cancer

What is Choroidal Melanoma?

Choroidal melanoma is a rare and aggressive form of eye cancer that affects the choroid, which is the middle layer of the eye between the sclera (white part) and retina. It is the most common primary malignant intraocular tumor and the second most common type of primary malignant melanoma in the body [1].

Characteristics

Choroidal melanomas are typically pigmented tumors that arise in the choroid or ciliary body, and can extend into the subretinal space forming a mushroom-shaped tumor [4]. They are malignant, meaning they have the potential to metastasize and spread to other parts of the body [9].

Symptoms

The symptoms of choroidal melanoma may include vision loss due to retinal detachment, and in advanced cases, it can cause severe signs and symptoms such as liver involvement [13].

Incidence

Choroidal melanoma is a relatively rare form of cancer, affecting approximately 11,000 patients worldwide per year [8].

Key Points:

• Choroidal melanoma is a rare and aggressive form of eye cancer.
• It affects the choroid, the middle layer of the eye.
• It is the most common primary malignant intraocular tumor and the second most common type of primary malignant melanoma in the body.
• Symptoms may include vision loss due to retinal detachment and liver involvement.
• Incidence: approximately 11,000 patients worldwide per year.

References:

[1] Oct 18, 2024 — Choroidal melanoma is the most common primary malignant intraocular tumor and the second most common type of primary malignant melanoma in the body. [8] Aug 20, 2024 — Choroid plexus tumors are primary central nervous system (CNS) tumors. This means they begin in the brain or spinal cord. [9] by N Soliman · 2023 · Cited by 7 — Choroidal melanoma is a rare malignant tumour, yet it is the most common primary intra-ocular neoplasm and second on the list of top ten most malignant melanoma ... [13] Sep 12, 2024 — Uveal melanoma is a malignant tumor arising from melanocytes in the uveal tract (iris, ciliary body, or choroid). [1] Apr 21, 2023 — Choroid plexus carcinoma begins as a growth of cells in the part of the brain called the choroid plexus. Cells in the choroid plexus produce ... [4] Choroidal nevus is typically a pigmented tumor of the blood vessel layer (choroid) beneath the retina. A choroidal nevus is typically gray but can be brown, ... [9] A choroidal melanoma is malignant, meaning that the cancer may metastasize and eventually spread to other parts of the body. [10] Result: a primary or metastatic malignant neoplasm that affects the choroid [13] Anaplastic thyroid cancer. This rare type of thyroid cancer grows quickly and can be difficult to treat. However, treatments can help slow the progression of the disease. Anaplastic thyroid cancer tends to occur in people older than 60. It can cause severe signs and symptoms, such as neck swelling that worsens very quickly and may lead to ... [13] Choroidal melanoma is cancer found in the choroid. This is a tissue that lines the eye between the retina and the sclera. The sclera is the white part of your eye. A choroidal melanoma can become large and cause your retina to detach. This can cause vision loss. It can also spread to other parts of your body, such as your liver. [14] The choroid is the most common site for eye melanoma to form. Melanomas sometimes form in the conjunctiva, the membrane that covers the front part of your eyeball. They’re called conjunctival melanomas. They’re incredibly rare. Like uveal melanomas, they tend to spread and are aggressive. ... The cancer cells can travel to other parts of ... [15] Choroidal melanoma is a form of cancer that affects the choroid, which is in the middle layer of the eye. Learn about the symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and more.

Common Signs and Symptoms of Choroid Cancer

Choroid cancer, also known as choroidal melanoma, can cause a range of symptoms depending on the size and location of the tumor. Here are some common signs and symptoms:

• Vision changes: Blurry vision, sudden loss of vision, or distorted vision due to damage to the choroid layer of the eye [10][11]
• Flashes of light: Seeing flashes of light in the field of vision, which can be a sign of tumor growth [10][15]
• Floaters: Noticing spots or squiggles drifting in the field of vision, which can indicate tumor growth or damage to the choroid layer [10][15]
• Pain and discomfort: Choroidal melanoma can cause pain and discomfort in the eye due to tumor growth [11]
• Hydrocephalus: In some cases, choroid plexus tumors can cause hydrocephalus (increased pressure within the skull), leading to symptoms such as nausea and vomiting [13]

It's essential to note that not all people with choroid cancer will experience these symptoms. Some may have no symptoms at all until the tumor is detected on a routine eye examination.

References:

• [10] Choroidal melanoma is a form of cancer that affects the choroid, part of the middle layer of the eye.
• [11] Melanomas are cancers that develop in pigment-producing cells called melanocytes.
• [13] Damage to the choroid by cancer can significantly affect vision due to its essential role in sustaining the retina.
• [15] Problems with vision (blurry vision or sudden loss of vision) and floaters (spots or squiggles drifting in the field of vision) are common symptoms of choroidal melanoma.

Treatment Options for Choroidal Melanoma

Choroidal melanoma, also known as uveal melanoma, is a type of eye cancer that affects the choroid layer of the eye. While surgery is often the primary treatment option, drug therapy can play a crucial role in managing this condition.

• Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy uses drugs to destroy cancer cells. In the case of choroidal melanoma, chemotherapy may be used after surgery or if radiation therapy has to be delayed. The most common chemotherapy combination used to treat choroidal tumors is ifosfamide (Ifex), carboplatin, and etoposide (Vepesid) [13].
• Targeted Therapy: Targeted therapy involves using drugs that specifically target cancer cells. For choroidal melanoma, targeted therapy may be used in conjunction with surgery or radiation therapy.
• Immunotherapy: Immunotherapy works by stimulating the body's own immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells. This treatment option is still experimental for choroidal melanoma but shows promise [10].
• Intravitreal VEGF Inhibitor Therapy: Intravitreal injections of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) inhibitors are an experimental treatment option for choroidal metastases [14].

Key Points

• Chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy may be used to treat choroidal melanoma.
• Surgery is often the primary treatment option, but drug therapy can play a crucial role in managing this condition.
• Intravitreal VEGF inhibitor therapy is an experimental treatment option for choroidal metastases.

References

[13] Chemotherapy uses drugs to destroy cancer cells. Chemotherapy may be used after surgery or if radiation therapy has to be delayed. The most common chemotherapy combination used to treat choroid plexus tumours is ifosfamide (Ifex), carboplatin and etoposide (Vepesid).

[10] Jan 26, 2022 — Immunotherapy drugs work to stimulate the body's own immune system to help it recognize and attack cancer cells more effectively.

[14] by CJ Chen · 2011 · Cited by 71 — Intravitreal VEGF inhibitor therapy is experimental for choroidal metastases. The rationale for using intravitreal injections is to provide maximal drug delivery directly into the eye.