Melanoma of the Eye Overview
Learn About Melanoma of the Eye
Melanoma of the eye is cancer that occurs in various parts of the eye.
Malignant melanoma - choroid; Malignant melanoma - eye; Eye tumor; Ocular melanoma
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. This is the layer of blood vessels and connective tissue between the white of the eye and retina (back of 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 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.
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
- Immunotherapy, which uses medicines to help your immune system fight the melanoma
Sanjay Navadia is an Internal Medicine provider in Brooksville, Florida. Dr. Navadia and is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Melanoma of the Eye. His top areas of expertise are Transcobalamin Deficiency, Nephrosclerosis, Renovascular Hypertension, Bone Graft, and Vertebroplasty. Dr. Navadia is currently accepting new patients.
Peter Pavan is an Ophthalmologist in Tampa, Florida. Dr. Pavan and is rated as a Distinguished provider by MediFind in the treatment of Melanoma of the Eye. His top areas of expertise are Choroid Plexus Carcinoma, Melanoma of the Eye, Retinal Detachment, Neuroretinitis, and Vitrectomy. Dr. Pavan is currently accepting new patients.
Orlando Health Medical Group Inc
Rafael Manon is a Radiation Oncologist in Orlando, Florida. Dr. Manon and is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Melanoma of the Eye. His top areas of expertise are Laryngeal Cancer, Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma, Pleuropulmonary Blastoma, and Squamous Cell Lung Carcinoma. Dr. Manon is currently accepting new patients.
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.
The outcome for melanoma of the eye depends on the size of the cancer when it is diagnosed. Most people 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.
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
Contact your health care provider for an appointment if you have symptoms of melanoma of the eye.
The most important way to prevent melanoma of the eye is to protect the eyes from sunlight, especially between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when the sun's rays are most intense. Wear sunglasses that have ultraviolet protection.
A yearly eye exam is recommended.
Summary: To determine the recommended phase 2 dose (RP2D) of the combination of neratinib and sodium valproate when given to patients with advanced solid tumors. Then to explore the antitumor effects of the neratinib and sodium valproate combination in advanced solid tumors with attention to RAS-mutated tumors, EGFR-altered GBM, and ocular melanoma, as part of the phase 2 expansion cohort.
Summary: The goal of this clinical trial is to learn how roginolisib works in comparison to standard treatment in adult patients with uveal/ocular melanoma. The main questions it aims to answer are: Does roginolisib extend overall survival compared to standard treatment? How does dosing of roginolisib impact quality of life compared to standard treatment?
Published Date: August 28, 2023
Published By: Todd Gersten, MD, Hematology/Oncology, Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute, Wellington, FL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
Dalvin LA, Shields CL. Tumors of the uvea. In: Yanoff M, Duker JS, eds. Ophthalmology. 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 8.2.
McCannel TA. Epidemiology of posterior uveal melanoma. In: Sadda SVR, Sarraf D, Freund KB, et al, eds. Ryan's Retina. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 140.
National Cancer Institute website. Intraocular (uveal) melanoma treatment (PDQ) -- health professional version. www.cancer.gov/types/eye/hp/intraocular-melanoma-treatment-pdq. Updated May 12, 2023. Accessed September 12, 2023.
Shields CL, Shields JA. Overview of management of posterior uveal melanoma. In: Sadda SVR, Sarraf D, Freund KB, et al, eds. Ryan's Retina. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 144.