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Rare Eye Cancer Detected Via Vision Change
10 Apr
Summary
- A rare eye cancer, choroidal melanoma, was diagnosed after visual changes.
- The cancer affects seven people per million annually, with minimal symptoms.
- The patient opted for eye removal over a year of intensive treatment.
A woman from Denton, Manchester, has been diagnosed with choroidal melanoma, a rare eye cancer that affects approximately seven in every million people annually. The 31-year-old initially noticed a black spot in her vision, followed by blurred sight and floaters, prompting an optician visit.
Her optician's concern led to an urgent referral to Manchester Royal Infirmary, followed by an appointment at St Paul's Eye Hospital in Liverpool. There, she received the diagnosis of choroidal melanoma, a cancer known for its minimal or absent symptoms, especially in younger individuals.
Faced with treatment options of a year-long radiotherapy and injection course or eye removal, she chose surgery. She cited concerns about managing her anxiety and depression during intensive treatment as key factors in her decision.
She is now awaiting surgery, with further tests planned to check for cancer spread. The experience has led her to advocate strongly for regular eye check-ups, including OCT scans, emphasizing their potential life-saving importance.
