Ophthalmology

Birthmark in the eye

Birthmark in the eye, what is it?

As a birthmark or, in some cases, pigment or mole is colloquially a sharply circumscribed, benign (benign) Denotes malformation of the skin or mucous membrane.

It is one of the so-called harmatoms, i.e. atypically developed cell associations and is called nevus in the technical language (Plural "nevi") called.

In most cases, birthmarks are formed by pigment-forming cells, the melanocytes, and more rarely by connective tissue, blood vessel or gland cells.
First of all, it is not a disease, but simply a benign abnormality.

In rare cases, however, this can degenerate; melanoma, a malignant (malignant) Tumor can be the result. Why a birthmark degenerates is in most cases incomprehensible. However, UV radiation plays an important role in this process.

Location and appearance

As in any other part of the body that is covered with skin or mucous membrane, a birthmark can also be in the eye, more precisely on the conjunctiva (Conjunctiva), Dermis (Sclera), Iris (iris) or choroid (Choroid).

If they are located on the choroid, they can only be discovered during an ophthalmological examination. A birthmark that is generally located in the eye or face is called an ota nevus.

Like all other moles, it often exists from birth (congenital), but can also develop later.

Conjunctival nevi usually arise in the outer cleft of the eyelid. They are slightly raised and have small, clear, bubble-like inclusions that are either pigmented or unpigmented (amelanotic) could be.

During pregnancy, pigmentation can increase due to hormonal changes.

diagnosis

Usually the nevus ota is only a cosmetic problem.
A degeneration, i.e. the transformation into one malignant tumor, is extremely rare, but very dangerous. Melanoma (referred to as "black skin cancer" on the skin) are a very malignant form of tumors and quickly start to spread to other organs (to metastasize).

Regular checks on the birthmark are therefore important. For this purpose, the location, size and appearance are noted so that you can compare them at the next check-up. Particularly suspicious nevi make one Photo documentation necessary.

A number of special diagnostic methods can be used to examine the birthmark more closely.

These include the Diaphanoscopy and the Fluorescence angiographywith which the Fundus can be better judged.

Also one Ultrasound examination of the eye can provide more precise information about birthmarks of the choroid.

treatment

Begins a Connective or dermis nevus to grow quickly, should be a complete surgical removal and histological assessment (at the cellular level using a microscope) of the same can be carried out.

This can be used to determine whether the birthmark is actually malignant.
Another way to Removal of a birthmark is the Laser coagulation, i.e. the closure of the vessels that supply the birthmark using a laser.

The earlier a degeneration is recognized, the better the chances of recovery. However, moles that have not yet degenerated can also be removed for cosmetic reasons.

Conjunctival melanoma

Conjunctival melanoma is a rarely occurring malignant tumor that can arise from a conjunctival nevus, but usually arises from melanoma.

In contrast to a nevus, a melanoma has spotty, indistinct pigmentation.

The conjunctival melanoma itself is only partially a nodular, pigmented tumor towards which blood vessels converge severe from benign pigmentation disorder to distinguish. It is usually removed surgically. Additionally (adjuvant) can a Irradiation and / or local therapy with Cytostatics respectively