Name of the Condition

• Malignant Neoplasm of Left Choroid
• Also known as Choroidal Melanoma (when referring to melanoma type)

Summary

The malignant neoplasm of the left choroid is a type of cancer that occurs in the vascular layer of the eye known as the choroid. This condition is positioned behind the retina and is responsible for providing it with oxygen and nutrients.

Causes

The exact causes of choroidal neoplasms are not entirely understood, but potential contributors include:

• Genetic mutations
• Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light
• Pre-existing pigmented lesions in the eye

Risk Factors

• Older age
• Fair skin and light eye color
• Genetic predisposition or family history
• High exposure to sunlight or artificial UV rays

Symptoms

• Blurry or distorted vision
• Visual field loss
• Presence of a dark spot on the iris
• Changes in the appearance of the pupil
• Eye floaters or flashes of light

Diagnosis

Diagnosis typically involves:

• A thorough eye examination
• Ultrasonography of the eye
• Optical coherence tomography (OCT)
• Fluorescein angiography

Treatment Options

• Radiation therapy: Brachytherapy (plaque radiotherapy) is commonly used to target the tumor.
• Laser therapy: Transpupillary thermotherapy (TTT) may be utilized as adjunctive therapy.
• Surgery: In severe cases, enucleation (removal of the eye) may be necessary.
• Chemotherapy: Less commonly used but available for metastatic cancer.

Prognosis and Follow-Up

• Early detection generally results in a better outcome, with treatments often preserving vision and ocular structures.
• Regular follow-ups with an ophthalmologist are essential to monitor for recurrence or complications.

Complications

• Potential for vision loss or blindness in the affected eye
• Metastasis to other parts of the body, especially the liver, if not timely treated

Lifestyle & Prevention

• Wearing sunglasses with UV protection
• Regular eye examinations, especially if at high risk
• Smoking cessation as it contributes to numerous eye problems

When to Seek Professional Help

• Sudden changes in vision
• New and persistent eye symptoms, such as floaters or flashes

Additional Resources

• American Academy of Ophthalmology: aao.org
• Ocular Melanoma Foundation: ocumel.com
• Cancer Research UK on "Eye Cancer": cancerresearchuk.org

Tips for Medical Coders

• Ensure the laterality of the neoplasm is properly coded (left choroid in this case, C69.32).
• Verify if there is any additional specificity about the type of malignant neoplasm (e.g., melanoma).
• Avoid coding errors by checking for complete and detailed documentation, especially distinguishing malignant neoplasms from benign conditions.