Choroidal Nevus

Ophthalmic Partners treats choroidal nevus for patients in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and the surrounding communities.

WHAT IS A CHOROIDAL NEVUS?

A choroidal nevus is a tumor of the eye, one of the most common types of intraocular tumors, which may occur in about 7 percent of adults.

Sometimes a choroidal nevus is referred to as an eye freckle or a mole on the eye surface. The choroidal nevus growths are flat and greyish and are usually found in the choroid, which is a layer of blood vessels between the retina and the sclera. The growths are not usually seen in children.

WHAT CAUSES A CHOROIDAL NEVUS?

Choroidal nevus occurs when pigmented cells in the back of the eye begin to clump together.

WHAT ARE THE RISK FACTORS FOR A CHOROIDAL NEVUS?

The most commonly cited risk factor for choroidal nevus is exposure to ultraviolet light, such as sunlight. People with blue eyes, as well as Caucasians, are at greater risk for choroidal nevus.

HOW CAN A CHOROIDAL NEVUS BE PREVENTED?

One of the best ways to prevent choroidal nevus is to wear sunglasses with UV protection while you are outdoors.

HOW IS A CHOROIDAL NEVUS DIAGNOSED?

The spots are usually found during a routine eye exam. Diagnosis of the choroidal nevus is made with tests such as ultrasonography, ocular coherence tomography, or photographic imaging. They may not be an indicator of any problem, and often there are no symptoms. However, just as a mole on the skin can evolve into cancer, the choroidal nevus lesions can transform into choroidal melanoma, which is malignant and must be treated, so it is important to monitor them for any changes.

A digital photograph is taken when the condition is first noticed, and your eye doctor at Ophthalmic Partners will ask you to return in a few months for monitoring. Any unusual changes will prompt further diagnostic tests and referral to an eye cancer specialist.

HOW IS A CHOROIDAL NEVUS TREATED?

Choroidal nevus typically does not require treatment. In rare cases, choroidal nevus develops into a choroidal melanoma, which may be treated with radiation therapy, laser photocoagulation, transpupillary thermotherapy, local tumor resection, or enucleation.