Choroidal nevus

Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
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W8MD medical weight loss NYC and sleep center NYC

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.

Drusen on the macula, similar to those that can appear on a choroidal nevus

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.

Mnemonic to differentiate between melanomas and nevi

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.

See also

• Choroidal melanoma
• Ophthalmoscopy
• Optical coherence tomography
• Drusen