Name of the Condition

• Common names: Benign neoplasm of the left choroid.
• Medical terms: Choroidal nevus, Benign choroidal tumor.

Summary

• A benign neoplasm of the left choroid is a non-cancerous growth occurring in the choroid, a part of the eye located between the retina and the sclera. These tumors are generally harmless and often resemble moles or freckles but require monitoring to ensure they do not transform into malignant tumors.

Causes

• The exact cause of choroidal neoplasms is not well understood, but they are believed to be related to genetic mutations or cellular changes in the pigmented cells of the eye.

Risk Factors

• Risk factors include lighter eye color, increased age, and exposure to sunlight or ultraviolet rays, which may influence the formation or growth of choroidal neoplasms.

Symptoms

• Often asymptomatic and discovered during routine eye exams.
• In some cases, patients may experience blurred vision, floaters, or changes in vision if the neoplasm affects vision-related areas.

Diagnosis

• Diagnosed through eye examinations including fundoscopic exam, optical coherence tomography (OCT), ultrasonography, and fluorescein angiography to ascertain size, shape, and characteristics of the growth.

Treatment Options

• No treatment is required if the neoplasm remains stable and asymptomatic.

• Regular monitoring is essential. In cases of growth or symptoms, treatment may include laser therapy or radiation to limit progression.

  Prognosis and Follow-Up

• Prognosis is generally good with a low risk of transformation into malignant melanoma.
• Regular follow-up appointments are critical to monitor changes in size or symptoms to detect malignancy early.

Complications

• Left untreated, a neoplasm could potentially develop into a malignant tumor, though this is rare. Vision impairment could occur if growth affects the macula or optic nerve.

Lifestyle & Prevention

• Protect eyes from ultraviolet exposure by wearing sunglasses.
• Regular comprehensive eye exams for early detection and management.

When to Seek Professional Help

• Seek prompt medical attention if experiencing sudden vision changes, increasing floaters, or any new eye symptoms.

Additional Resources

• American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) - aao.org
• Eye Cancer Foundation - eyecancercure.com

Tips for Medical Coders

• Ensure specificity by confirming laterality; this condition is coded specifically for the left eye.
• Avoid common errors such as misclassifying benign neoplasms as malignant; verify diagnosis and documentation carefully.