Some people notice the recurrence of white lights and flashing in the treated melanoma eye within a year or so after the radiation treatment. This symptom can be alarming because it often is very similar to the original flashing and white lights that a person may have noticed at the time the ocualr melanoma was diagnosed. It is normal to think that the cancer is coming back.
However, it is not! Flashing after treatment, in my experience has never been associated with ocular melanoma recurrence after treatment. A tumor that is dying and shriveling may produce localized inflammation at the treatment site. Inflammation at or near the retina may trigger neural responses that manifest as flashing or light flickers. In fact, seeing light flashes is a very normal symptom for many treated patients, and it often correlates with further tumor shrinkage and death. Listen to learn more!
For Tara McCannel's resources, visit my website: https://seyhart.com/ocularmelanoma
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!
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.
