Treatment of Eye Melanoma in Israel – The Shortest Path to Complete Victory Over the Disease

Modern Methods of Treating Eye Melanoma in Israel

Eye melanoma refers to a malignant neoplasm that develops from cells producing melanin, which is responsible for the color of the iris. This term encompasses a whole group of tumors that differ in their origin. The most common are tumors affecting one of the structures of the choroid, located between the retina and the sclera: the choroid, iris, or ciliary body. Tumors of the mucous membrane (conjunctiva) and eyelid, which exhibit more aggressive growth, are less frequently encountered.

The most optimal methods for treating eye melanoma in Israel are determined by doctors based on the type of pathological neoplasm, its size, localization features, including its relation to neighboring intraocular structures, the stage of the disease, as well as the individual characteristics of the patient's body and overall condition. Most often, in cases of eye cancer, oncologists at the Top Assuta medical center conduct comprehensive treatment. This may include:

• Contact Radiation Therapy – a type of radiation treatment that involves local exposure to the tumor with ionizing radiation. During the procedure, a small applicator plate containing radioactive material, usually isotopes of iodine, ruthenium, or palladium, is placed on the affected area of the eyeball. It is left for several days (the exact duration of treatment is determined individually by the doctor), after which it is removed. During this time, cancer cells are subjected to the destructive effects of radiation and die, while the surrounding healthy tissues are minimally affected.
• Stereotactic Radiosurgery, which also relies on the action of ionizing radiation. Using state-of-the-art radiosurgical systems, multiple thin beams are directed at the melanoma from different angles, passing through healthy tissues without causing them harm, and accumulating the required dose of radiation precisely within the tumor's boundaries. Before the session begins, the radiologists at Top Assuta create a three-dimensional model of the neoplasm using a special program to ensure high precision in radiation delivery, and then adjust the direction of the beams in real-time to protect important anatomical structures near the eye from the negative effects of radiation.
• Surgical Treatment of eye melanoma in Israel is primarily used for localized tumors of small size that have not metastasized. In such cases, doctors can perform organ-preserving surgeries, which involve excising the tumor itself and part of the affected eye structure. Depending on the location of the cancerous formation, the intervention may take the form of:

– iridectomy, which involves resection of a small fragment of the iris;

– iridocyclectomy, which consists of excising a section of the iris and ciliary body;

– transscleral resection, which involves removing part of the ciliary body or choroid affected by the oncological process.

If the melanoma has invaded surrounding tissues, extending beyond the eyeball, the oncologists at the Top Assuta clinic perform enucleation, meaning the complete removal of the eye. Subsequently, a high-quality prosthesis made from modern materials is installed in its place, with color and size perfectly matching the remaining eye. It is connected to the eye muscles and mimics the natural movements of the eyeball, indistinguishable from a healthy organ of vision.

• Transpupillary Thermotherapy, which is one of the methods of infrared coagulation. It yields good results in treating small melanomas. The tumor is exposed to a laser beam, causing rapid heating and evaporation of its cells. The advantage of the method is its complete safety for adjacent healthy tissues. To achieve a higher therapeutic effect and reduce the risk of recurrence, transpupillary thermotherapy is often combined with radiation treatment.
• Cryotherapy, which involves the application of liquid nitrogen to cancer cells to freeze them, leading to the death of the malignant tumor. It is used to destroy small localized melanomas growing on the periphery of the choroid of the eyeball.

Quality Diagnostics of Eye Melanoma in Israel

Thanks to high professionalism, impressive experience, and access to the latest medical equipment, doctors at the Top Assuta hospital always accurately diagnose eye melanoma, ruling out other ophthalmological pathologies with similar symptoms, and precisely determine the key characteristics of the tumor – its type, size, localization, and prevalence, which ultimately allows them to develop the optimal therapy scheme for the patient.

Diagnostics of eye melanoma in Israel is characterized not only by high accuracy but also by speed, which is crucial for successful treatment. It takes an average of 3–5 working days and is conducted in three stages.

Stage 1: Consultation with an Ocular Oncologist

Thanks to a well-structured and optimized medical program, the patient can see the treating physician, whom they have chosen from among the best specialists in the country, on the very first day of their stay in Israel. The doctor carefully studies the medical history, reviews the results of previous examinations, and examines the external and internal structures of the affected eye using special optics. After this, they refer the patient for the necessary diagnostic procedures.

Stage 2: Detailed Examination

The next day, the patient begins to sequentially undergo the examinations prescribed by the doctor, which may include:

• biomicroscopy – examination of the anterior and posterior segments of the eyeball using a slit lamp and special microscope;
• ophthalmoscopy – used to detect pathological neoplasms;
• ultrasound examination – allows for the detection of changes in intraocular structures, identification of the tumor, determination of its size, and establishment of precise localization;
• fundus photography – with which the ophthalmologist assesses the condition of the fundus and identifies secondary changes;
• computed and/or magnetic resonance imaging – help determine the extent of the oncological process and the presence of metastases in neighboring structures and distant organs;
• fluorescein angiography – examination of the capillaries and vessels of the retina to determine the blood supply source of the melanoma.

Stage 3: Development of Treatment Plan

The results of the examinations are reviewed at a special council, which includes oncologists, ophthalmologists, radiologists, surgeons, and other specialists. They carefully study the diagnostic data and determine the treatment strategy, selecting the anti-cancer methods that will be effective in the specific case.

Treatment of Eye Melanoma in Israel: Cost

Why Choose Top Assuta Clinic for Eye Melanoma Treatment

1. The opportunity to be treated by the best ocular oncologists in the country, who possess advanced knowledge and have extensive experience in successfully treating various eye neoplasms.
2. High-precision and rapid diagnostics.
3. Use of a wide range of modern anti-cancer techniques and gentle surgical techniques.
4. Equipped with the latest therapeutic and diagnostic equipment.
5. Implementation of the concept of personalized medicine.
6. High level of service, comprehensive assistance to foreign patients.