ABSTRACT
Purpose. Choroidal nevi are a relatively common ocular finding and it is imperative they be distinguished from more threatening conditions. The purpose of this case report is to emphasize the proper management of a patient with a choroidal nevus.
Case Report. A 32-year-old Caucasian male presented to clinic for a routine eye exam with a chief complaint of dryness in the both eyes. The patient’s unaided visual acuity was 20/15-2 OU. Upon examination of the retina, a choroidal lesion was found in the right eye. It was flat with distinct borders and had no suspicious characteristics. The patient was instructed to follow up in four months in order to monitor any change of the lesion. When the patient returned the lesion was found to be unchanged. The patient was diagnosed with a benign neoplasm of the choroid otherwise known as a choroidal nevus.
Conclusion. Choroidal nevi have the potential to grow into a choroidal melanoma. Thorough examination and proper patient education is of vital importance in these cases in order to prevent possible life threatening conditions.
Key words: choroidal nevus, choroidal melanoma, malignant
INTRODUCTION …show more content…
It is highly vascularized and provides nutrients and oxygen to many ocular structures.1 Melanocytes, which synthesize melanin, are found within layers of the choroid and are responsible for its brown pigmentation.1 Over time these melanocytes may proliferate and create a flat, slate-gray/brown, benign pigmented lesion known as a choroidal nevus, or a benign neoplasm of the choroid.2 This lesion is similar to the normal freckles or moles found on skin. Like skin nevi, choroidal nevi may sometimes grow to become a malignant
Purpose. Choroidal nevi are a relatively common ocular finding and it is imperative they be distinguished from more threatening conditions. The purpose of this case report is to emphasize the proper management of a patient with a choroidal nevus.
Case Report. A 32-year-old Caucasian male presented to clinic for a routine eye exam with a chief complaint of dryness in the both eyes. The patient’s unaided visual acuity was 20/15-2 OU. Upon examination of the retina, a choroidal lesion was found in the right eye. It was flat with distinct borders and had no suspicious characteristics. The patient was instructed to follow up in four months in order to monitor any change of the lesion. When the patient returned the lesion was found to be unchanged. The patient was diagnosed with a benign neoplasm of the choroid otherwise known as a choroidal nevus.
Conclusion. Choroidal nevi have the potential to grow into a choroidal melanoma. Thorough examination and proper patient education is of vital importance in these cases in order to prevent possible life threatening conditions.
Key words: choroidal nevus, choroidal melanoma, malignant
INTRODUCTION …show more content…
It is highly vascularized and provides nutrients and oxygen to many ocular structures.1 Melanocytes, which synthesize melanin, are found within layers of the choroid and are responsible for its brown pigmentation.1 Over time these melanocytes may proliferate and create a flat, slate-gray/brown, benign pigmented lesion known as a choroidal nevus, or a benign neoplasm of the choroid.2 This lesion is similar to the normal freckles or moles found on skin. Like skin nevi, choroidal nevi may sometimes grow to become a malignant