Eye tumor
Key points
- Melanoma is a cancerous tumor that can occur in various structures in the eye, such as the choroid, the iris, or the ciliary body.
- Melanoma is a very aggressive type of cancer that can spread rapidly.
- An eye examination with an ophthalmoscope reveals a single round or oval lump (tumor) within the eye.
- The outcome for melanoma of the eye depends upon the size of the cancer at the time of diagnosis.
Alternative names
Malignant melanoma - choroid; Malignant melanoma - eye; Melanoma of the eye; Ocular melanoma
Definition
Melanoma is a cancerous tumor that can occur in various structures in the eye, such as the choroid, the iris, or the ciliary body. The choroid layer is the most likely location of melanoma in the eye.
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. Even so, primary melanoma of the eye is rare.
Symptoms
- A red, painful eye
- Small defect on the iris or conjunctiva
- Iris color may change
- Poor vision in one eye
- Bulging eyes
In some cases, 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
For additional resources, 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).
Written and revised by
Andrey Nailor, M.D.
Our doctors write and review articles for accuracy and keep them up to date.
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