Saturday, February, 11, 2012

Melanoma of the eye

Table of Contents

Alternative Names

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


Treatment

Small melanomas may be treated with lasers, brachytherapy, or radiation therapy.

Surgical removal of the eye (enucleation) may be necessary.

Chemotherapy or biological therapy (interferon) are considered less effective therapies for melanoma involving the eye.


Support Groups

For additional resources, see cancer support group.


Expectations (prognosis)

The outcome for melanoma of the eye depends on the size of the cancer at the time of diagnosis. Most patients will 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 survival is much lower.


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

Calling your health care provider

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


Images

Retina

Review Date: 08/18/2009
Reviewed By: Daniel E. Bustos, MD, MS, Private Practice specializing in Comprehensive Ophthalmology in Eugene, OR. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)