Uveal melanoma other diagnostic studies
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Simrat Sarai, M.D. [2]
Overview
Other diagnostic studies for uveal melanoma include ultrasound biomicroscopy, optical coherence tomography, and fluorescein angiography.
Other Diagnostic Studies
Ultrasound biomicroscopy
Ultrasound biomicroscopy is a special type of ultrasound that uses sound waves at even higher frequency than ultrasound to image the front parts of the eye.
Optical coherence tomography
Optical coherence tomography is a test that uses light waves instead of sound waves to create very detailed images of the back of the eye (fundus).
Color fundus photography
With color fundus photography photographs of the fundus are taken, that help to show what the tumor looks like before and after treatment.
Fluorescein angiography
Fluorescein angiography lets the doctor see the blood vessels inside the eye. Although melanomas don’t have a special appearance with fluorescein angiography, some other eye problems do. Doctors can use this method to tell if something is not a melanoma.
Biopsy
As almost all cases of uveal melanoma can be accurately diagnosed by the eye exam and imaging tests, a biopsy is not often needed. However, some doctors have started using biopsies to get a sample of the tumor for gene testing. This can help predict whether the melanoma is likely to come back outside of the eye at some point
- Biopsy of the uveal melanoma is not preffered because it can be hard to get a sample of the tumor without damaging the eye.
- Biopsy could possibly spread the tumor within or outside of the eye.