Should I have plaque or protons? You may be just diagnosed with ocular melanoma, or your eye doctors are concerned about something that MAY be ocular melanoma. We know that radiation treatment is the best way to kill ocular cancer. However, let me share with you why the question to be asking might really be: Who is the best person to be treating my ocular melanoma, and/or making the diagnosis? There are more ocular oncologists than ever before today. And the incidence of ocular melanoma remains the same - that means there are still only about 2000 people per year getting diagnosed. Therefore, most of the people practicing ocular oncology have far less experience than their predecessors. Furthermore, there is no "standard of care" treatment in our field. Everyone does what they think is best - taking the eye out, treating with radiation, treating "pre-melanomas" and suspicious nevi, and more. It is IMPERATIVE to get second opinions in this disease and learn as much as you can. Your treatment journey does not end after your radiation treatment. You will depend on your ocular oncologist to make decisions to give you the best possible outcome.
Welcome to Finding Your Way with Ocular Melanoma, a guide to understanding everything there is to know about your experience with this rare cancer. Learn through the lens of my knowledge and clinical experience as a physician expert and passionate patient advocate. The more you know about ocular melanoma, the better you will do, and the better you will live. Let's go!
For Tara McCannel's resources (including webinar links and link to my book!), visit my website: https://seyhart.com/ocularmelanoma
The content shared on the Finding Your Way with Ocular Melanoma podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The information provided must not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. As a listener, you are responsible for your own health-related decisions and must consider consulting with a healthcare professional for personalized medical advice.
Tara McCannel MD PhD is a an ocular oncologist, vitreoretinal surgeon and co-founder of Seyhart Wellness. She is also the host of the Mind Body MD podcast where she shares her passion for holistic health and wellness.
