When the ocular melanoma is discovered and the tumor is too large for eye-saving treatment, the ocular oncologist will recommend enucleation. Enucleation is surgery where the whole eyeball is removed to control the growth of the tumor. After enucleation, many patients may no longer see their ocular oncologist, because there is nothing tumor-related to be monitoring in the eye. The individual may see a general ophthalmologist or an optometrist for continued eye care. However, these professionals may know very little about ocular melanoma. We often find that people who are treated with enucleation may end up discontinuing screening with their medical oncologist for liver scans, because they are not reminded by anyone in the picture who is an expert in ocular melanoma. Yet, these are the people who must be the most engaged with their follow-up, screening, and total health. The larger the ocular melanoma when it is discovered, the greater the risk that the cancer may metastasize.  In order to stay engaged, remain preventive and to be pro-active, people who have had an enucleation must continue to do all or most of the following when possible: 1) routinely see the ocular oncologist who made the diagnosis; 2) continue to see the medical oncologist for every 6 months abdominal scans; 3) stay engaged with patient support organizations such as A Cure In Sight, CureOM, Ocular Melanoma Foundation; and 4) continue actively learning all there is to know about the latest in ocular melanoma and cancer research through high-quality and trusted resources. For Tara McCannel's resources (including webinar links and link to my book!), 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.

Ver todos los episodios