Intraocular Melanoma

Intraocular melanoma, also known as uveal melanoma, is a type of cancer that develops in the eye. It is the most common primary malignant tumor of the eye in adults. Intraocular melanoma arises from the pigment cells (melanocytes) of the uvea, which is the middle layer of the eye.

Types of Intraocular Melanoma

There are several types of intraocular melanoma, including:

• Choroidal melanoma: This type accounts for about 80% of all intraocular melanomas and arises from the choroid, which is the layer of blood vessels between the sclera and retina.
• Ciliary body melanoma: This type arises from the ciliary body, which is the ring of tissue behind the iris that produces fluid to nourish the lens.
• Iris melanoma: This type arises from the iris, which is the colored part of the eye.

Symptoms of Intraocular Melanoma

Symptoms of intraocular melanoma may include:

• Flashes of light or floaters in the vision
• Blind spots or loss of peripheral vision
• Pain or pressure in the eye
• Change in the shape of the pupil
• Loss of vision

Risk Factors for Intraocular Melanoma

Risk factors for intraocular melanoma include:

• Light eye color: People with light-colored eyes (blue or green) are more likely to develop intraocular melanoma.
• Fair skin: People with fair skin are more likely to develop intraocular melanoma.
• Family history: Having a family history of intraocular melanoma increases the risk.
• Age: Intraocular melanoma is more common in people over the age of 50.

Diagnosis of Intraocular Melanoma

Diagnosis of intraocular melanoma typically involves a combination of:

• Visual acuity test: To assess vision sharpness.
• Slit-lamp examination: To examine the front and back of the eye.
• Ultrasound: To create images of the eye and detect tumors.
• Fluorescein angiography: To evaluate blood flow in the eye.
• Biopsy: To confirm the diagnosis by examining a tissue sample.

Treatment Options for Intraocular Melanoma

Treatment options for intraocular melanoma depend on the size and location of the tumor, as well as the overall health of the patient. Treatment options may include:

• Observation: For small tumors, observation with regular follow-up exams may be recommended.
• Radiation therapy: To shrink or destroy the tumor.
• Surgery: To remove the tumor and surrounding tissue.
• Enucleation: To remove the entire eye in cases where the tumor is large or has spread.

Prognosis of Intraocular Melanoma

The prognosis for intraocular melanoma depends on the size and location of the tumor, as well as the overall health of the patient. Early detection and treatment can improve outcomes, but the 5-year survival rate for people with intraocular melanoma is around 80%.