A prognostic biopsy in ocular melanoma is when a needle is placed within the tumor itself and the sample sent to check for markers that tell us whether the melanoma has a low-likelihood of metastasizing or a high-likelihood of metastasizing. Regardless of your result, the outcomes of these tests are not set in stone. Just because you have low-risk, does not mean you are "home-free" and can discontinue systemic scans and monitoring; and just because you have high-risk results, does not mean that for sure, your melanoma will metastasize in the future. I discuss the reasons for variable test results and how uncertainty in medicine is a good thing for us - it leaves open many possibilities for how we may be able to influence our outcomes.
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.
