METASTATIC RETINITIS Meaning and
Definition
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Metastatic retinitis refers to a rare medical condition characterized by the spread of cancer cells from other parts of the body, typically originating from an internal malignancy, to the retina, the light-sensitive tissue lining the inner surface of the eye. The term "metastatic" indicates the secondary nature of the disease, as the cancer cells have migrated from their primary site to the retina, forming tumors in the area.
Metastatic retinitis primarily affects adults, particularly those with a history of cancer or a weakened immune system. The most common primary cancers associated with this condition include breast, lung, and skin cancers, although it may also result from other types of malignancies. The cancer cells typically reach the retina through the bloodstream or lymphatic system, leading to the growth of tumor nodules that can interfere with normal retinal functioning.
Symptoms of metastatic retinitis may include visual disturbances, such as blurred or distorted vision, floaters, blind spots, or a decrease in visual acuity. Additionally, some individuals may experience eye pain, redness, or inflammation. Diagnosis of this condition involves a thorough eye examination, imaging tests (such as ocular coherence tomography or angiography), and a comprehensive evaluation of the patient's medical history.
Treatment of metastatic retinitis primarily focuses on managing the underlying cancer and preserving vision. This may involve a combination of radiation therapy, chemotherapy, systemic medications, and surgical intervention. Prognosis for individuals with metastatic retinitis depends on the location and stage of the primary cancer, as well as the extent of retinal involvement. Regular follow-ups and close collaboration between the ophthalmologist and oncologist are crucial for monitoring the response to treatment and managing potential complications.
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Purulent 1. resulting from the arrest of septic emboli in the retinal vessels.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for METASTATIC RETINITIS
- metastaticretinnitis
- metastaticretiknitis
- m etastatic retinitis
- me tastatic retinitis
- met astatic retinitis
- meta static retinitis
- metas tatic retinitis
- metast atic retinitis
- metasta tic retinitis
- metastat ic retinitis
- metastati c retinitis
- metastatic r etinitis
- metastatic re tinitis
- metastatic ret initis
- metastatic reti nitis
- metastatic retin itis
- metastatic retini tis
- metastatic retinit is
- metastatic retiniti s
Etymology of METASTATIC RETINITIS
The word "metastatic" is derived from the Greek word "metástasis", which means "changing" or "transfer". In medicine, it refers to the spread of cancer from one part of the body to another.
"Retinitis" is derived from the Latin word "retina", which refers to the light-sensitive layer at the back of the eye that detects visual information. "Retinitis" specifically means inflammation of the retina.
Therefore, "metastatic retinitis" is a medical term that describes the transfer or spread of inflammation to the retina from another part of the body, often due to metastatic cancer.
