Choroidal melanoma is the most common primary intraocular tumor in adults. Dr. Finger has been instrumental in creating The Collaborative Ocular Melanoma Study of Choroidal Melanoma. Download a summary of the study today:
This cancer initially appears as a small freckle beneath the retina. Choroidal melanoma can grow in height and diameter and may eventually spread to other organs of the body, causing death.
Since choroidal melanoma is actually inside the eye, it is not visible or symptomatic to patients. They may not recognize they have a problem until the tumor grows to a size that impairs vision by obstruction, retinal detachment, hemorrhage, or other complication.
Periodic dilated retinal examination is the best means of early detection.
Evidence-Based Medicine:
Dr. Finger has been part of major studies looking into the diagnosis and treatment of choroidal melanoma.
The Collaborative Ocular Melanoma Study (COMS) was a multicenter investigation designed to evaluate therapeutic interventions for patients who have choroidal melanoma. Evaluations conducted in the COMS were aimed at determining which alternative therapies better prolong the remaining lifetime of individuals diagnosed as having choroidal melanoma. If treatment alternatives provide similar expectations of survival, the study sought to determine which offers the patient the longer cancer-free life and the better prognosis for vision overall.
For more information on the study, and treatment options for choroidal melanoma, download the PDF of The Collaborative Ocular Melanoma Study of Choroidal Melanoma:
