Melanoma of the eye

Melanoma of the eye

Definition:

Melanoma of the eye is a cancerous tumor in the choroid layer of the eye, which is between the outer layer and the retina.

Alternative Names:

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

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Melanoma is a very aggressive type of cancer that can spread rapidly. In the US, it occurs in about 6 people per million per year. Excessive exposure to sunlight is an important risk factor and the occurrence of melanoma has greatly increased in recent decades. Fair-skinned and blue-eyed people are affected most often.

The eye can be the primary site of the tumor, or the cancer may have spread to the eye from another location in the body. There may be no early symptoms, but the tumor will eventually cause a retinal detachment and distortion of vision.

Melanoma is the most common type of eye tumor in adults.

Symptoms:

A red, painful eye
Small defect on the iris or conjunctiva
Iris color may change
Poor vision in one eye
Bulging eyes

Note: There may be no symptoms.

Signs and tests:

An eye examination with an ophthalmoscope reveals a single round or oval lump (tumor) within the eye.

Tests may include:

Eye ultrasound examination
Cranial CT scan to look for spread (metastasis) to the brain
MRI of the head to look for metastasis to the brain
Skin biopsy if there is an affected area on the skin

Treatment:

Small melanomas may be treated by laser or by radiation therapy. Chemotherapy may be needed if the tumor has spread. Surgical removal of the eye may be necessary to prevent the spread of tumor to the brain or other organs.

Support Groups:

The stress of illness can often be helped by joining a support group where members share common experiences and problems. See cancer - support group.

Expectations (prognosis):

The outcome for melanoma of the eye depends upon the size of the cancer at the time of diagnosis. Between 60% and 80% of patients will survive at least 5 years from the time of diagnosis if the cancer has not spread outside the eye (metastasized).

If there has been spread outside the eye, the chance of survival is much lower.

Complications:

Metastasis of the tumor to other areas of the body is a complication.

Calling your health care provider:

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if a melanoma of the eye is suspected.

Prevention:

The most important way to prevent eye melanoma is to avoid excessive exposure to sunlight, especially between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., when the sun's rays are most intense. Wear sunglasses, and be sure they have ultraviolet protection.

Review Date: 7/17/2002
Reviewed By: Scott Howard, M.D., M.S., Memphis, TN. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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