Cancers affecting the retina usually occur in the choroid, a dense layer of blood vessels that supplies the retina. The choroid is sandwiched between the retina and the sclera (the outer white part of the eye). Because the retina depends on the choroid for its support and half of its blood supply, damage to the choroid by a cancer is likely to affect vision.

Choroidal Melanoma: Choroidal melanoma is a cancer that originates in the pigment-producing cells (melanocytes) of the choroid. Choroidal melanoma is the most common cancer originating in the eye. It is most common in people with fair complexions and blue eyes. In its early stages, the cancer usually does not interfere with vision. Later, it may cause blurred vision or retinal detachment, with symptoms such as flashes of light, a veil or curtain across the visual field, or a sudden increase or change in floaters. Melanomas, particularly if large, may extend into the orbit or spread through the bloodstream (metastasize) to other parts of the body and be fatal.

Early diagnosis is important because smaller tumors are more easily curable. Diagnosis is made using an ophthalmoscope and other tests, which may include ultrasound scanning, CT (computed tomography), and serial photographs.

If the melanoma is small, treatment with a laser, radiation, or an implant of radioactive materials may preserve vision and save the eye. If the cancer is large, the eye may have to be removed.

Choroidal Metastases: Choroidal metastases are cancers that have spread to the choroid from other parts of the body. Because of its rich blood supply, the choroid is often a place to which cancers from other parts of the body may spread. In women, breast cancer is the most common cause. In men, cancers of the lung or prostate are the most common causes.

Often, these cancers cause no symptoms until they are advanced. Symptoms, when they develop, are often loss of vision or symptoms of retinal detachment. Vision loss may be severe.

The diagnosis is sometimes made during a routine eye examination with an ophthalmoscope. Diagnosis is aided by ultrasound scanning. Confirmation of the diagnosis may involve using a fine needle to remove a sample of tissue for examination under a microscope (biopsy). Treatment is usually with chemotherapy and radiation therapy.

Last full review/revision November 2008 by Sunir J. Garg, MD