Choroidal metastasis: case reports and review of the literature

Choroidal metastases are recognized as the most common intraocular malignancy. Their diagnosis has become more common due to increased emphasis on comprehensive eye examinations for cancer patients and the improved life expectancy of patients with metastatic disease. They are most prevalent in female patients with breast cancer and male patients with lung cancer.

A thorough fundus examination, coupled with the use of A-scan and B-scan ultrasonography, will aid in their diagnosis. There are many ways of treating these tumors, including radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and monitoring.

Two case reports of patients diagnosed with choroidal metastases are discussed. Case 1 involved a patient with lung cancer who manifested a large bullous exudative retinal detachment due to an underlying choroidal metastasis. Case 2 dealt with treatment of a patient with metastatic transitional cell cancer who manifested a shallow exudative retinal detachment caused by a choroidal metastasis.

Due to progress of chemotherapeutic medications, the number of patients who manifest choroidal metastases will continue to increase. It is essential for the practitioner to be able to recognize this disease process to prevent visual loss and institute referral for proper treatment for metastatic disease.