What is the cost and considerations needed for a nevus removal?
FEB 01, 2024
Question:
I am 22 and I have had a nevus on the sclera of my left eye since age 4. It is mainly brown but sometimes red. It is not painful, but it does bother me. When I was 8, I inured the same eye, which made it bloodshot and seemed to enlarge the mole.
Could this be serious and, if so, how much might surgical removal cost?
6/13/2013
Answer:
The nevus is more likely on the conjunctiva (the thin membrane covering the sclera) but could be in the sclera if an ophthalmologist has identified it in that location. These are benign, although we watch them for changes. It is unrelated to your injury at age 8.
Surgery is not necessary unless the unlikely event of change occurs. You could have it cosmetically removed or altered. This would require surgical excision, but some are sensitive to argon laser treatment. This procedure would probably be in the range of $800 to $1,500 depending upon what is done and who does it.
The excision may be covered under your insurance policy to rule out melanoma, although this varies of course. Check with an oculoplastic or corneal surgeon for the best information.
This question was originally answered on June 13, 2013.