Retinal lesions are tumors that form in the eyes. Retinal lesions are treated with radiation therapy.
The most common eye lesion is choroidal nevus, a benign growth that forms at the back of the eyes when pigment cells accumulate. Its development is associated with some systemic conditions, such as choroidal neurofibroma. Although it is believed to be congenital, it rarely affects children and is often diagnosed in adulthood.
Who Should Undergo the treatment of Retinal lesions and what are the expected results
Patients with macular lesions on the eye, retinal lesions, or choroidal nevus should seek medical attention. Although choroidal nevus treatment is not always immediately necessary because the lesions are usually benign, it is important that patients undergo constant monitoring to ensure that their condition is not progressing.
If the nevus is small and does not show signs of growth or other significant change, no treatment is recommended. However, it is continuously checked because there is a risk that it will develop into melanoma.
Studies show that one in every 500 cases of choroidal nevus of the eye become malignant within ten years.
When this happens, patients may experience the following:
If a choroidal nevus is confirmed to be malignant, the patient has to undergo treatment as soon as possible. Seeking immediate medical attention provides the best chance of preserving their vision and preventing serious complications, such as metastatic melanoma.
Treatment, however, does not produce instant results. It may take between 3 and 6 months of treatment before the lesion is removed. In some cases, the growth does not completely disappear, leaving behind a benign residual lump.
How is the treatment of Retinal Lesion performed?
Prior to undergoing any treatment for retinal lesions, various eye tests, such as photographic imaging, ultrasonography, and ocular coherence tomography, is performed. These tests are used to monitor the status of a detected choroidal nevus.
Once treatment of retinal lesion is prescribed, patients may undergo plaque radiation therapy. Also known as radioactive plaque therapy, this treatment uses a sealed device that delivers high doses of radiation directly to the tumor to avoid damaging the eye.
The device, which is called the plaque, is positioned over the tumor on the surface of the eyeball. It is implanted and removed while the patient is under sedation or local anesthesia.
Patients who undergo the treatment of retinal lesion are expected to feel some pain and discomfort within 24-48 hours after the procedure. They are usually advised to stay in the hospital during this time and are provided with pain medications.
Possible Risks and Complications related to the treatment of Retinal Lesion
Patients who undergo treatment of retinal lesion commonly experience the following:
These symptoms may persist for around two weeks, but most patients can resume their normal activities within a week after being discharged from the hospital.
Although radiation therapy for retinal lesions is generally safe, patients still face a minimal risk of complications, such as:
These, however, can be treated with anti-VEGF agents.
Which are the different tests that should be performed before treatment of Retinal Lesion?
Some of the different tests which should be performed before treatment of Retinal Lesion are:
1. Diagnostic A-Scan
2. Diagnostic B-Scan
3. Fluorescein Angiography