Choroidal nevus: Difference between revisions
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{{Infobox medical condition | |||
| name = Choroidal nevus | |||
| image = [[File:Clipping_3.jpg|alt=Choroidal nevus|upright=1.2]] | |||
| caption = Fundus photograph showing a choroidal nevus | |||
| field = [[Ophthalmology]] | |||
| synonyms = Nevus of the choroid | |||
| symptoms = Usually asymptomatic, but can cause [[visual field]] defects or [[metamorphopsia]] if affecting the [[macula]] | |||
| complications = Potential transformation into [[choroidal melanoma]] | |||
| onset = Typically detected in [[adulthood]] | |||
| duration = Lifelong | |||
| causes = Congenital, due to proliferation of [[melanocytes]] | |||
| risks = [[Caucasian]] ethnicity, [[light-colored eyes]], [[family history]] of [[melanoma]] | |||
| diagnosis = [[Ophthalmoscopy]], [[optical coherence tomography]], [[ultrasound]] | |||
| differential = [[Choroidal melanoma]], [[retinal detachment]], [[age-related macular degeneration]] | |||
| treatment = Observation, regular monitoring | |||
| prognosis = Generally good, low risk of malignant transformation | |||
| frequency = Present in approximately 5-10% of the general population | |||
}} | |||
{{Short description|A benign pigmented growth in the eye}} | {{Short description|A benign pigmented growth in the eye}} | ||
==Choroidal Nevus== | ==Choroidal Nevus== | ||
A '''choroidal nevus''' is a benign pigmented growth located in the [[choroid]], which is the vascular layer of the [[eye]] situated between the [[retina]] and the [[sclera]]. These nevi are similar to [[moles]] on the skin and are usually asymptomatic, often discovered during routine eye examinations. | A '''choroidal nevus''' is a benign pigmented growth located in the [[choroid]], which is the vascular layer of the [[eye]] situated between the [[retina]] and the [[sclera]]. These nevi are similar to [[moles]] on the skin and are usually asymptomatic, often discovered during routine eye examinations. | ||
[[File:Clipping_3.jpg|A choroidal nevus observed during an eye examination|left|thumb]] | |||
[[File:Clipping_3.jpg|A choroidal nevus observed during an eye examination|thumb | |||
==Characteristics== | ==Characteristics== | ||
Choroidal nevi are typically flat or slightly elevated lesions that can vary in color from gray to brown. They are generally less than 5 mm in diameter. The presence of [[drusen]], which are yellowish deposits, can sometimes be observed on the surface of the nevus, indicating chronicity. | Choroidal nevi are typically flat or slightly elevated lesions that can vary in color from gray to brown. They are generally less than 5 mm in diameter. The presence of [[drusen]], which are yellowish deposits, can sometimes be observed on the surface of the nevus, indicating chronicity. | ||
[[File:Macular_Soft_Drusen.jpg|Drusen on the macula, similar to those that can appear on a choroidal nevus|left|thumb]] | |||
[[File:Macular_Soft_Drusen.jpg|Drusen on the macula, similar to those that can appear on a choroidal nevus|thumb | |||
==Diagnosis== | ==Diagnosis== | ||
The diagnosis of a choroidal nevus is primarily made through a comprehensive eye examination, including [[ophthalmoscopy]] and [[optical coherence tomography]] (OCT). In some cases, [[ultrasound]] imaging may be used to assess the thickness and internal reflectivity of the lesion. | The diagnosis of a choroidal nevus is primarily made through a comprehensive eye examination, including [[ophthalmoscopy]] and [[optical coherence tomography]] (OCT). In some cases, [[ultrasound]] imaging may be used to assess the thickness and internal reflectivity of the lesion. | ||
==Differential Diagnosis== | ==Differential Diagnosis== | ||
It is crucial to differentiate a choroidal nevus from a [[choroidal melanoma]], which is a malignant tumor. Factors that may suggest malignancy include thickness greater than 2 mm, presence of subretinal fluid, symptoms such as visual disturbances, and orange pigmentation. | It is crucial to differentiate a choroidal nevus from a [[choroidal melanoma]], which is a malignant tumor. Factors that may suggest malignancy include thickness greater than 2 mm, presence of subretinal fluid, symptoms such as visual disturbances, and orange pigmentation. | ||
[[File:Mnemonic_to_Help_Differentiate_Between_Melanomas_and_Nevi.png|Mnemonic to differentiate between melanomas and nevi|left|thumb]] | |||
[[File:Mnemonic_to_Help_Differentiate_Between_Melanomas_and_Nevi.png|Mnemonic to differentiate between melanomas and nevi|thumb | |||
==Management== | ==Management== | ||
Most choroidal nevi do not require treatment and are simply monitored for changes over time. Regular follow-up with an eye care professional is recommended to ensure that the nevus does not exhibit signs of transformation into melanoma. | Most choroidal nevi do not require treatment and are simply monitored for changes over time. Regular follow-up with an eye care professional is recommended to ensure that the nevus does not exhibit signs of transformation into melanoma. | ||
==Prognosis== | ==Prognosis== | ||
The prognosis for individuals with a choroidal nevus is generally excellent, as these lesions are benign and rarely transform into melanoma. However, regular monitoring is essential to detect any changes early. | The prognosis for individuals with a choroidal nevus is generally excellent, as these lesions are benign and rarely transform into melanoma. However, regular monitoring is essential to detect any changes early. | ||
==See also== | |||
== | |||
* [[Choroidal melanoma]] | * [[Choroidal melanoma]] | ||
* [[Ophthalmoscopy]] | * [[Ophthalmoscopy]] | ||
Revision as of 01:50, 5 April 2025
Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
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| Choroidal nevus | |
|---|---|
| |
| Synonyms | Nevus of the choroid |
| Pronounce | N/A |
| Specialty | N/A |
| Symptoms | Usually asymptomatic, but can cause visual field defects or metamorphopsia if affecting the macula |
| Complications | Potential transformation into choroidal melanoma |
| Onset | Typically detected in adulthood |
| Duration | Lifelong |
| Types | N/A |
| Causes | Congenital, due to proliferation of melanocytes |
| Risks | Caucasian ethnicity, light-colored eyes, family history of melanoma |
| Diagnosis | Ophthalmoscopy, optical coherence tomography, ultrasound |
| Differential diagnosis | Choroidal melanoma, retinal detachment, age-related macular degeneration |
| Prevention | N/A |
| Treatment | Observation, regular monitoring |
| Medication | N/A |
| Prognosis | Generally good, low risk of malignant transformation |
| Frequency | Present in approximately 5-10% of the general population |
| Deaths | N/A |
A benign pigmented growth in the eye
Choroidal Nevus
A choroidal nevus is a benign pigmented growth located in the choroid, which is the vascular layer of the eye situated between the retina and the sclera. These nevi are similar to moles on the skin and are usually asymptomatic, often discovered during routine eye examinations.
Characteristics
Choroidal nevi are typically flat or slightly elevated lesions that can vary in color from gray to brown. They are generally less than 5 mm in diameter. The presence of drusen, which are yellowish deposits, can sometimes be observed on the surface of the nevus, indicating chronicity.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of a choroidal nevus is primarily made through a comprehensive eye examination, including ophthalmoscopy and optical coherence tomography (OCT). In some cases, ultrasound imaging may be used to assess the thickness and internal reflectivity of the lesion.
Differential Diagnosis
It is crucial to differentiate a choroidal nevus from a choroidal melanoma, which is a malignant tumor. Factors that may suggest malignancy include thickness greater than 2 mm, presence of subretinal fluid, symptoms such as visual disturbances, and orange pigmentation.
Management
Most choroidal nevi do not require treatment and are simply monitored for changes over time. Regular follow-up with an eye care professional is recommended to ensure that the nevus does not exhibit signs of transformation into melanoma.
Prognosis
The prognosis for individuals with a choroidal nevus is generally excellent, as these lesions are benign and rarely transform into melanoma. However, regular monitoring is essential to detect any changes early.
