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Treatment of small choroidal melanomas with photocoagulation
A E Jalkh1, C L Trempe, F P Nasrallah
1Eye research Institute of Retina Foundation, Boston, Massachusetts 02114.
Abstract:
Seventeen eyes with small choroidal melanomas presumed to be malignant were photocoagulated. The melanomas measured 7 to 15 mm at the tumor base and 2 t0 5 mm thick. First, photocoagulation using the green argon laser was aimed at closing the choroidal vascular supply of the tumor. In a second stage, tumor tissue was destroyed using the red krypton laser for confluent burns of long duration. Such treatment was supplemented by cryotherapy in peripherally located tumors or whenever photocoagulation alone did not result in tumor regression. Photocoagulation alone was used in ten eyes and combined wih cryotherapy in seven. After an average follow-up of 42 months, marked tumor regression was achieved in 12 eyes and some tumor regression in two. Tow eyes ultimately required proton beam irradiation, and one eye was enucleated. No metastasis occurred during follow-up.
Insights
Photocoagulation effectively treated small malignant choroidal melanomas in seventeen eyes. Most tumors showed significant regression, with no metastasis observed during follow-up.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Oncology
Background:
- Choroidal melanomas are malignant tumors requiring effective treatment.
- Small melanomas present unique therapeutic challenges.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of photocoagulation in treating small choroidal melanomas.
- To assess tumor regression and metastasis rates after treatment.
Main Methods:
- Seventeen eyes with presumed malignant choroidal melanomas underwent photocoagulation.
- Green argon laser targeted choroidal vasculature; red krypton laser destroyed tumor tissue.
- Cryotherapy was used adjunctively for peripheral tumors or incomplete regression.
Main Results:
- Marked tumor regression occurred in 12 eyes; some regression in two eyes.
- Two eyes required subsequent proton beam irradiation; one eye was enucleated.
- No instances of metastasis were reported during the follow-up period.
Conclusions:
- Photocoagulation, with or without cryotherapy, is an effective treatment for small choroidal melanomas.
- The treatment demonstrated significant tumor regression and prevented metastasis.
