Hello, my mother died of choroidal melanoma at the age of 65. She was diagnosed when the tumor grew large enough to detach the retina. I went with her to all of her treatments at the Casey Eye Center, Portland Oregon. She joined a study group and was given plaque radiation as her treatment. This did shrink her tumor however, it had already spread to her liver, lungs and bones.
It was a horrible way to die and I now have concerns for myself since I was diagnosed with a freckle on my choroid. I am 55 and feel quite anxious about this. Any advice would be appreciated.
Re: I have Choroid freckle. Mother died of melanoma
Many people have freckles in and on their eyes but they do not necessarily become cancerous. Annual check-ups are recommended to be on the safe side. I have one myself so I do understand your worry. My mother died of a melanoma on her forearm and I have a lot of dark freckles that I ask my dermatologist to monitor.
Re: I have Choroid freckle. Mother died of melanoma
I am very sorry to hear about your mother's death and I very much understand your concerns.
You should ask for a follow up with your ophthalmologist (or optometrist) every six months. He or she might do initial diagnostic tests as an ultra-sound to your eye, and take a photo of your fundus ( the back of your eye ).
There are certain criteria by which we follow choroidal nevi to early detect their transformation into a melanoma. These include the thickness, their colour, any fluid under the eye, and if you are having any symptoms at all...
