Iris Melanoma in 6yr old

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Hi All,

My 6 yr old has a suspected iris melanoma which they would like to treat with plaque Radio therapy at Moorefields quite soon. 
They also want to take a biopsy after treatment.

does anyone have experience of this?

it’s all happened quite fast and seems quite a serious treatment for something they are not even sure what it is. Unfortunately our local eye clinic do not seem to have been taking or keeping decent photos over the years they have been keeping an eye on this mark, so it’s hard to say whether it has grown recently or not. 

our questions revolve around:

where can we get a 2nd opinion?

is plaque radiotherapy the right treatment (photo therapy using light was not mentioned at all)

is a biopsy necessary if they are going to treat it anyway, as we’d rather not risk and seeding.

where can I find concrete statistical info on the chances of side effects from Radio therapy on the iris - possibly causing cataracts or glaucoma ??

thanks in advance for any info anyone has on this or if anyone has had plaque radio therapy on an iris melanoma we’d love to hear about it. 

  • Hi  and a very warm welcome to the online community which I hope you'll find is both an informative and supportive place to be.

    I'm sorry to read that your child has a suspected iris melanoma and it's natural to have lots of questions.

    I've done a search in the group and found that  is the most recent person who has posted about having plaque radiotherapy. Their partner had this treatment at Moorfields a few months ago so I've 'tagged' them in the hope that they'll pop on and tell you about their partner's experiences.

    I haven't had a second opinion, so don't have any personal experience to share, but Macmillan have this information on getting a second opinion.

    As for your questions about whether plaque radiotherapy is the right treatment and whether a biopsy is needed, you would need to ask your child's consultant as none of us are qualified to give that sort of advice. Also the consultant should be able to tell you about the side effects of any treatment they propose so that you can make an informed decision.

    Sending (((hugs)))

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  • My heart bleeds for you as you as you must be petrified for your child.

    I cannot help you with your questions as I had  a large choroidal melanoma near my optic nerve and my treatment involved proton beam. Every person is unique and thus treated in the right way for them. However, you will not get better treatment and more qualified specialists than at Moorfield Eye Hospital in London. The case team your child will be under will be the best of the best and a second opinion will not be necessary. You are in the best hands for sure and I have had no complaints dealing with Moorfield!

    I wish you and your child all the best  and hope they have a speedy recovery.