Choroidal metastases from breast carcinoma: a survey of 42 patients and the use of radiation therapy.

Abstract

Visual disturbances in patients with breast carcinoma may result from choroidal metastases. Metastases were bilateral in 41% of patients and the choroid was the first site of metastasis in 25%. Therefore awareness of this 'rare' condition is essential for any doctor seeing patients with breast cancer; consultation with an ophthalmologist and radiotherapist is mandatory. Radiation therapy is the treatment of choice, producing an 80% response rate (complete resolution in 25%). The final catastrophe of blindness in these patients can be prevented.