Ocular Oncology Service
As the only ocular oncology service in the state of Connecticut, our practice offers evaluation for all kinds of eye 'tumors' including choroidal nevus, choroidal hemangioma, choroidal melanoma, and metastases to the eye. Under the leadership of Dr. Scott Walter - an ocular oncology trained specialist - our service sees the most eye cancer cases in the state of CT.
Benign Choroidal Nevi
Many patients are referred to us for evaluation of a 'freckle' or 'mole' in their eye. A mole/freckle is called a nevus, and just like a freckle or mole on the skin can convert to melanoma, an eye freckle can do the same thing.
​
While rare, it is important to have a complete evaluation to measure the size and thickness of the lesion. This way, if it ever changes in the future, 5 or 10 years from now, there is an opportunity to catch it early and treat it accordingly.
Choroidal Melanoma
Patients diagnosed with choroidal melanoma require multidisciplinary care across ocular oncology, medical oncology, and radiation oncology. If you are diagnosed with us, our team will coordinate your care with our ocular oncology team - part of Hartford Healthcare. Treatment options include laser, surgery, or targeted radiation therapy, depending on the size and extent of the tumor.
​
Our team also performs biopsies of suspicious lesions and sends all of them for genetic testing to determine the risk of the tumor spreading to other parts of the body. This unique capability allows us to provide appropriate follow up care, treatment, and prognosis.
Radiation Oncology
Our radiation oncology colleagues at Hartford Radiation Oncology Associates have worked with Dr. Walter for many years to provide targeted radiation therapy for most choroidal tumors. This treatment option allows for tumor regression with minimal impact on nearby tissues. In many cases, this treatment option allows for the preservation of vision in the affected eye.
​
Hartford Radiation Oncology Associates provides brachytherapy and stereotactic radio-surgery options. All procedures are performed at Hartford Hospital, in the ambulatory setting.
Medical Oncology
Choroidal melanoma, and other tumors, can often first appear in the eye, but are actually present in many other parts of the body. The most common metastases, for example, that are first found in the eye, come from undiagnosed breast, liver, or prostate cancer.
​
Our associates in medical oncology at Hartford Hospital will perform full body scanning to identify any other organs that have been affected or are at risk and will provide consultation, treatment, and follow-up accordingly. Cases are often discussed at 'tumor board', a collective meeting comprised of surgical, radiation, and medical oncology - in order to formulate a patient-specific plan with the best possible outcome.
