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Ocular melanoma - Tantalum markers

StuJoe
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Hi

My optician found a "freckle" in my eye during a routine eye check, so I went to the Eye Infirmary and there they confirmed it was a melanoma. It hasn't reached a size yet where the surgeon thinks it is necessary to operate so that is good news. I am currently being monitored every 3 months but am glad to say it hasn't grown over the last year

I am in a unique positoin in that I do the regulatory documentation for ophthalmic medical devices, that CE marking. I know therefore my options are proton beam therapy (PBT), ruthenium plaque implant or keeping my fingers crossed. At this stage I am on the last one.

For PBT I know I have to have a number of tantlaum markers sutured onto the sclera to help define the boundary of the tumour. I was wondering if anyone else has had these implants? If so can you feel them in the eye? Are they uncomfortable or painful? Have you had any reactions to them?

Anyone who could give me some feedback would be big help.

Thanks

Stuart 

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    Hi. My problem was a freckle for want of a better word.I was sent to the hospital and it was decided to have  laser or PDT.After a year of six month checks my consultant wanted to make sure this small speck was got rid so I had ruthenium plaque op. That was in July 18. Since then everything healed but I have lost sight in my eye , quite a bit. I’m due my next appt in about a month or so but feel very vulnerable

    feed back would help

  • Offline in reply to Dotspot

    Hi, like you I had a freckle in my eye which turned malignant earlier this year. I have just had tantalum markers inserted in preparation for Proton Beam therapy treatment in December. I am also feeling very vulnerable and anxious as to what might happen next, ie; vision loss and other associated cancers.

    I am 5 days post op now and eye still very sore and with blurred double vision. Am very worried about losing sight etc as was very fit and active prior to this real body blow !

    How Are you coping and how has it affected your sight please. I have just joined this site and any support would be helpful.

    Thanks

    Bob

  • Offline in reply to Bob66

    Hi Bob

    to be honest , I’m fine but wasn’t prepared for the amount of sight damage from radiation. At first it was ok , just sore for a few weeks of treating it with drops and cream but then the vision became a problem and I rang up my named nurse who got me an appt with my surgeon.  I’m not sure if I didn’t fully take it in about sight damage but what sight I have is hardly any use. It’s permanent also . All kinds of thoughts go through your head , I think I’m at a low point after dealing with it remarkable calmness, I worry about the abdo checks I have every six months also  

  • Offline in reply to Dotspot

    Hi Dotspot and Bob66,

    I'm a cutaneous melanoma patient, not ocular, but I have several friends with ocular melanoma & they recommend the following website Melanoma Patient Network Europe which has a lot of information regarding ocular melanoma www.melanomapatientnetworkeu.org/ocular-melanoma.html

    Angie (Stage 3)

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