Choroidal metastases resulting from carcinoma of the lung

Abstract

Background: Choroidal metastases, the most commonly observed tumors of the choroid, are a frequent sequela of lung cancer. Carcinoma of the lung is the most common cancer. Choroidal metastatic tumors can be observed before or after the definitive diagnosis of a lung carcinoma.

Methods: A 42-year-old man, examined 1 month after reporting an ache and blurry vision in his left eye, was found to have an elevated, irregular-shaped choroidal lesion in the eye. The second patient, a 53-year-old man, was examined 1 week after reporting dim vision in the left eye. Diagnosed with non-small-cell lung carcinoma 5 months earlier, he was found to have bilateral choroidal lesions.

Results: The first patient was diagnosed with choroidal metastasis from adenocarcinoma of the lung 8 months after the initial presentation, confirmed after a fine-needle aspiration biopsy. The second patient had bilateral choroidal metastases from disseminated lung carcinoma.

Conclusions: Metastases to the eye or orbit develop in approximately 0.7% to 12% of patients with lung cancer. Treatment regimens depend on the size and extent of the choroidal tumor, number of tumors, laterality, the visual status of the affected or nonaffected eye, the stage of cancer, and the age and general health of the patient. Prognosis is contingent on vital organ involvement and response to therapy. Preserving the patient's visual status may enhance the quality of remaining life.