WHAT WE TREAT
Ocular Nevus and Tumors
An ocular nevus or tumor is an abnormal growth inside the eye that may or may not affect vision.
About Ocular Nevus and Tumors
Overview
A tumor is an abnormal growth of tissue that can develop anywhere in the body, including within the eye. Some ocular tumors may cause noticeable changes in vision, while others are discovered incidentally during a routine eye exam with no symptoms at all. It is important to determine whether a growth is benign (non-cancerous), malignant (cancerous), or non-tumorous (a harmless variation of normal tissue). At Lakes Region Retina, we provide comprehensive evaluation and care for all types of retinal and choroidal lesions using advanced imaging and diagnostic technology.
Causes
Ocular nevi and tumors develop when the pigment cells or other normal tissues inside the eye begin to grow in an unusual way. Many of these growths stay small and harmless, while others may change over time and need closer monitoring. Because each person’s eyes are different, these changes can happen for a variety of reasons, which is why regular eye exams are important for catching them early.
Treatment Options From LRR
Treatments
Because many pigmented lesions of the eye appear similar in early stages, careful documentation and serial imaging are important. Your retina specialist may recommend periodic follow-up exams to track any changes in size, color, elevation, or associated fluid. If any growth or suspicious changes are detected, additional diagnostic testing or referral to an ocular oncology specialist may be advised.
More To Know
Diagnosis
Diagnosis involves detailed imaging, including:
- Dilated retinal examination
- Ocular ultrasound (B-scan)
- Fundus photography and OCT
- Fluorescein or indocyanine green angiography
The distinction between cancerous (melanoma) and non-cancerous (nevus) lesions is not always clear, and close monitoring over months to years may be the most appropriate option to determine whether changes occur over time that make a cancerous lesion more likely. If a diagnosis of melanoma is confirmed, treatment options depend on the tumor’s size, location, and extent, and may include plaque radiotherapy, proton beam therapy, laser treatment, or surgical removal. Timely diagnosis and management are critical to preserve vision and protect overall health.
Choroidal Nevus (“Eye Freckle”)
A choroidal nevus is a flat, benign, pigmented spot on the back wall of the eye, similar to a freckle on the skin. It represents an area of increased pigment within the choroid, the vascular layer beneath the retina.
Choroidal nevi are relatively common—found in about 1 in 10 adults—and usually remain stable over time. Although most nevi are harmless, they require periodic monitoring because a small number can show changes suggestive of growth or malignant transformation into a melanoma.
Your retina specialist may use photography, ultrasound, or Optical Coherence Tomography(OCT) to monitor any changes in size, thickness, or pigmentation. Routine observation is the mainstay of care
Choroidal Melanoma
A choroidal melanoma is a malignant tumor that develops from the pigmented cells within the choroid. Just as melanoma can occur on the skin, it can also develop inside the eye.
Although it is the most common primary intraocular cancer in adults, choroidal melanoma is rare overall. Symptoms may include blurred vision, flashes, floaters, or visual field loss, though some patients have no symptoms at all.
Your retina specialist may use photography, ultrasound, or Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) to monitor any changes in size, thickness, or pigmentation. Routine observation is the mainstay of care
Congenital Hypertrophy of the Retinal Pigment Epithelium (CHRPE)
CHRPE is a flat, darkly pigmented spot located in the retina’s outer layer, known as the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). It is benign and non-progressive, composed of enlarged pigment cells containing densely packed pigment granules that give the lesion its dark coloration.
CHRPE spots can vary in size—from a few millimeters to over a centimeter in diameter—and are typically found incidentally during an eye exam. They rarely affect vision and do not require treatment, though documentation and occasional follow-up are recommended.
In rare cases, the presence of multiple CHRPE lesions may be associated with certain genetic syndromes, so your retina specialist may recommend further evaluation if multiple lesions are observed.
Prepare For Your Visit
If you already have an appointment made, we look forward to providing your care! If you need an appointment or have questions, please reach out to the Lakes Region Retina care team.
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