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Melanoma of the eye

Malignant melanoma - choroid; Malignant melanoma - eye; Eye tumor; Ocular melanoma

 

Melanoma of the eye is cancer that occurs in various parts of the eye.

Causes

 

Melanoma is a very aggressive type of cancer that can spread rapidly. It usually is a type of skin cancer.

Melanoma of the eye can affect several parts of the eye, including the:

  • Choroid
  • Ciliary body
  • Conjunctiva
  • Eyelid
  • Iris
  • Orbit

The choroid layer is the most likely site of melanoma in the eye.

The cancer may only be in the eye. Or it may spread (metastasize) to another location in the body, most commonly the liver. Melanoma can also begin on the skin or other organs in the body and spread to the eye.

Melanoma is the most common type of eye tumor in adults. Even so, melanoma that starts in the eye is rare.

Too much exposure to sunlight is an important risk factor for melanoma. People who have fair-skin and blue eyes are most affected.

 

Symptoms

 

Symptoms of melanoma of the eye may include any of the following:

  • Bulging eyes
  • Change in iris color
  • Poor vision in one eye
  • Red, painful eye
  • Small defect on the iris or conjunctiva

In some cases, there may be no symptoms.

 

Exams and Tests

 

An eye examination with an ophthalmoscope may reveal a single round or oval lump (tumor) in the eye.

Tests that may be ordered include:

  • Brain CT or MRI scan to look for spread (metastasis) to the brain
  • Eye ultrasound
  • Skin biopsy if there is an affected area on the skin

 

Treatment

 

Small melanomas may be treated with:

  • Surgery
  • Laser
  • Radiation therapy (such as Gamma Knife , CyberKnife , brachytherapy)

Surgery to remove the eye (enucleation) may be needed.

Other treatments that may be used include:

  • Chemotherapy , if the cancer has spread beyond the eye
  • Biological therapy, which uses medicines to help your immune system to fight the melanoma

 

Support Groups

 

You can ease the stress of illness by joining a cancer support group . Sharing with others who have common experiences and problems can help you not feel alone.

 

Outlook (Prognosis)

 

The outcome for melanoma of the eye depends on the size of the cancer when it is diagnosed. Most patients survive at least 5 years from the time of diagnosis if the cancer has not spread outside the eye.

If the cancer has spread outside the eye, the chance of long-term survival is much lower.

 

Possible Complications

 

Problems that may develop due to melanoma of the eye include:

  • Distortion or loss of vision
  • Retinal detachment
  • Spread of the tumor to other areas of the body

 

When to Contact a Medical Professional

 

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if you have symptoms of melanoma of the eye.

 

Prevention

 

The most important way to prevent melanoma of the eye is to protect the eyes from sunlight, especially between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., when the sun's rays are most intense. Wear sunglasses that have ultraviolet protection.

A yearly eye exam is recommended.

 

 

Open References

References

Augsburger JJ, Damato BE, Bornfeld N, Correa ZM. Uveal melanoma. In: Yanoff M, Duker JS, eds. Ophthalmology . 4th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2014:chap 8.2.

National Cancer Institute: PDQ Intraocular (Uveal) Melanoma Treatment. Bethesda, MD: National Cancer Institute. Date last modified July 9, 2015. www.cancer.gov/types/eye/hp/intraocular-melanoma-treatment-pdq . Accessed October 7, 2015.

 
  • Retina

    Retina - illustration

    The retina is the internal layer of the eye that receives and transmits focused images. The retina is normally red due to its rich blood supply.

    Retina

    illustration

    • Retina

      Retina - illustration

      The retina is the internal layer of the eye that receives and transmits focused images. The retina is normally red due to its rich blood supply.

      Retina

      illustration

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          Tests for Melanoma of the eye

           
             

            Review Date: 8/1/2015

            Reviewed By: Yi-Bin Chen, MD, Leukemia/Bone Marrow Transplant Program, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

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