Choroidal Metastasis

About Choroidal Metastasis

Patients with a diagnosis of any malignant tumor or cancer can develop metastases, or tumor cells, that spread to other organs. The eye is a common site of metastasis for other cancers. Metastases most commonly develop in the choroid, the vascular layer at the back of the eye, but can also rarely develop in the iris, ciliary body, vitreous, or retina. Cancer cells typically travel from the original cancer site to the eye via the bloodstream.

When you choose Retina Consultants of Texas (in any of our Southeast Texas locations), you will receive your ocular oncology care from our oncology team. Our team is led by board-certified ocular oncologist and vitreoretinal surgeon Dr. Amy C. Schefler. We invest in state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment, retinal imaging, and leading treatments in ocular oncology today. With the level of excellence our oncology team brings to our patients, you will receive a detailed diagnosis and a personalized plan for optimal treatment.

Note to Patients With Cancer

Patients with cancer can lose vision for many reasons, including ocular metastases and side effects of chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and other treatments. Metastases to the eye can be treated. Some of the side effects from other cancer treatments can be treated, and most can be diagnosed by an ocular oncologist. If you are currently in cancer treatment and have sudden or slow loss of vision, call our office for an appointment.

Known Causes

The majority of our patients with ocular metastases already know that they have cancer. In the United States, the most common cause of choroidal metastases in men is lung cancer and in women is breast cancer. About 25% of our patients with metastases are not aware that they have cancer until the cells in the eye are discovered.

Diagnosis

During your consultation and diagnostic testing appointment, we can distinguish metastases from other tumors of the eye with specialized imaging equipment, such as an ultrasound, ophthalmic photographs, OCT[1] (Medina et al. 2014), fluorescein angiography, and other forms of testing, as well as a detailed clinical examination.

Treatment and Prognosis

We often work with patients’ primary medical oncologists and primary care doctors in the care of their disease. At RCTX, our treatment of ocular metastases can involve different modalities, including targeted radiation, plaque therapy, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy[2] (Houston et al. 2013). Your medical team may also combine therapies to provide you with a care plan uniquely made for your situation and health status. While each patient's prognosis is different, Dr. Schefler and our ocular oncology professionals will fight your cancer battle right alongside you with compassionate care and world-class treatments.

We Are on Your Side

At Retina Consultants of Texas, our retina specialist and ocular oncologists have years of dedicated experience in diagnosing and treating cancer of the eye for patients of any age. Dr. Schefler and her team will be there for you and your family every step of the way. We will do our best help you learn more about your condition and how to best care for yourself after testing, surgery, and/or aggressive cancer treatments. We are on your side. Call our office to schedule an appointment today.

Learn More About Iris Tumor

Iris Tumor (PDF)