After you have had radiation treatment to destroy the ocular melanoma, what's left of your tumor is no longer viable. Radiation destroys the cellular DNA which is needed for the cell to replicate itself, that is for the cancer to grow. After treatment, what's left of the ocular melanoma forms a scar that we continue to measure at every visit with your ocular oncologist. As long as we see the same size as the last measurement, or a decrease in size, this is proof of tumor response (that is, signs of death). It is not necessary to always have shrinking or even total disappearance of the ocular melanoma in order for your radiation treatment to have been successful. Listen to this episode also to learn about what I do if there is growth after treatment.

For Tara McCannel's resources (including webinar links and link to my book!), visit my website: https://seyhart.com/ocularmelanoma

Welcome to Finding Your Way with Ocular Melanoma, a guide to understanding everything there is to know about your experience with this rare cancer. Learn through the lens of my knowledge and clinical experience as a physician expert and passionate patient advocate. The more you know about ocular melanoma, the better you will do, and the better you will live. Let's go!

The content shared on the Finding Your Way with Ocular Melanoma podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The information provided must not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. As a listener, you are responsible for your own health-related decisions and must consider consulting with a healthcare professional for personalized medical advice. 

Tara McCannel MD PhD is a an ocular oncologist, vitreoretinal surgeon and co-founder of Seyhart Wellness. She is also the host of the Mind Body MD podcast where she shares her passion for holistic health and wellness.