PURPOSE: To evaluate the potential of laser photocoagulation as a method of treating small metastatic lesions of breast carcinoma in the choroid. METHODS: The 10 eyes of 7 patients were treated by Krypton red or argon green laser applications for small choroidal breast carcinoma metastasis with serous detachment of the retina. Before treatment 5 eyes had visual acuity of finger counting and 5 eyes had visual acuity of 6/15 or better. The treatment was repeated once in all eyes, except 1 eye in which it was repeated 3 times. RESULTS: In all eyes, one to two weeks after the treatment the tumor shrunk, the subretinal serous detachment absorbed, the retina flattened, and the visual acuity improved to 6/6-6/21. No reduction in vision was seen after the second treatment until the end of the follow-up period. In 1 eye, new tumors located elsewhere were again twice successfully treated. Patients reported a significant improvement of their quality of vision, as judged subjectively. CONCLUSIONS: Laser treatment is a feasible, easy, rapid, and effective therapy for small choroidal breast carcinoma.
PURPOSE: To evaluate the potential of laser photocoagulation as a method of treating small metastatic lesions of breast carcinoma in the choroid. METHODS: The 10 eyes of 7 patients were treated by Krypton red or argon green laser applications for small choroidal breast carcinoma metastasis with serous detachment of the retina. Before treatment 5 eyes had visual acuity of finger counting and 5 eyes had visual acuity of 6/15 or better. The treatment was repeated once in all eyes, except 1 eye in which it was repeated 3 times. RESULTS: In all eyes, one to two weeks after the treatment the tumor shrunk, the subretinal serous detachment absorbed, the retina flattened, and the visual acuity improved to 6/6-6/21. No reduction in vision was seen after the second treatment until the end of the follow-up period. In 1 eye, new tumors located elsewhere were again twice successfully treated. Patients reported a significant improvement of their quality of vision, as judged subjectively. CONCLUSIONS: Laser treatment is a feasible, easy, rapid, and effective therapy for small choroidal breast carcinoma.