A retinal vasoproliferative tumour is a rare benign vascular tumour that develops in the retina. It may occur as an isolated lesion or be associated with certain systemic conditions. Depending on its location and size, it may remain asymptomatic or affect vision.
Condition · Ocular oncology
Vasoproliferative retinal tumour
A rare benign vascular tumour of the retina
Overview
Symptoms
Many patients have no symptoms, and the lesion may be discovered incidentally during an eye examination. When it affects vision, it may cause:
- Blurred or reduced vision
- Distortion of central vision
- Floaters or flashes of light
- A dark or blurred area in the visual field
Symptoms mainly depend on the location of the tumour and any complications it may cause.
Risk factors
Η ακριβής αιτιολογία των αγγειοϋπερπλαστικών όγκων του αμφιβληστροειδούς δεν είναι πλήρως γνωστή. Μπορούν να εμφανιστούν ως πρωτοπαθείς (ιδιοπαθείς) ή δευτεροπαθείς βλάβες, στο πλαίσιο υποκείμενης οφθαλμικής ή αμφιβληστροειδικής πάθησης. Έχουν συσχετιστεί με μεγαλύτερη ηλικία, χρόνια οφθαλμική φλεγμονή, αμφιβληστροειδικές δυστροφίες ή εκφυλιστικές παθήσεις, προηγούμενη αμφιβληστροειδική νόσο ή χειρουργική επέμβαση και αγγειακές ανωμαλίες του αμφιβληστροειδούς. Σε πολλές περιπτώσεις, δεν εντοπίζεται συγκεκριμένος παράγοντας κινδύνου.
How is it diagnosed?
Diagnosis is based on a detailed ophthalmic examination and modern imaging techniques. Fundus photography allows documentation of the lesion, while OCT helps assess the retina and detect any associated oedema or fluid.
Fluorescein angiography or OCT angiography may be used to assess the retinal vessels and vascular leakage. In some cases, ocular ultrasound may also be required.
Treatment
Treatment depends on the size, location and complications associated with the tumour. Options may include:
- Observation for small, stable and asymptomatic tumours
- Laser photocoagulation in selected cases
- Careful application of cryotherapy in selected cases
- Plaque radiotherapy for larger or treatment-resistant tumours
- Vitrectomy in selected cases with significant vitreous or retinal complications
Treatment is individualised and aims to control the tumour and preserve vision.
When to seek an assessment
If you notice a new or progressive change in your vision, particularly blurred vision, distortion, or a dark area in your visual field, it is important to have an ophthalmic examination.
If you have been diagnosed with a vascular tumour of the retina, regular monitoring with modern imaging techniques helps detect any changes at an early stage and guide the most appropriate management.
Key points
- Vasoproliferative tumours are uncommon, benign tumours of the peripheral retina.
- They can cause fluid accumulation, bleeding, macular oedema and retinal detachment.
- Diagnosis relies on careful examination and multimodal retinal imaging.
- Management may include observation, laser treatment, cryotherapy, or radiotherapy, depending on the characteristics of the tumour and any associated complications.
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Talk it through with Dr. Diafas.
For assessment, careful monitoring, or a second opinion, book an appointment.
This page provides general information only and is not a substitute for an individual consultation.