Overview
Eye melanoma, also known as ocular melanoma, is a type of cancer that develops in the cells that produce melanin within the eye. Melanin is the pigment responsible for the color of your skin and eyes. Eye melanoma can form in the iris, the colored part of the eye, as well as the uvea, which is the middle layer of the eye containing blood vessels and connective tissue. In most cases, eye melanoma is challenging to detect since it forms in the part of the eye that's not visible when looking in a mirror. Additionally, it may not present early symptoms. However, if present, symptoms can include floaters or a sensation of specks in your vision, a growing dark spot on the iris, a change in the shape of the pupil, and poor or blurry vision. The exact cause of eye melanoma is not clear, but it's believed to result from DNA errors in healthy eye cells, causing them to grow and multiply uncontrollably. Risk factors for eye melanoma include light eye color, being white, and increasing age. In rare cases, eye melanoma can spread beyond the eye and affect other parts of the body.
Understanding the disease
Symptoms
The symptoms of eye melanoma may include a sensation of flashes or specks of dust in your vision (floaters), a growing dark spot on the iris, a change in the shape of the dark circle (pupil) at the center of your eye, and poor or blurry vision in one eye. In some cases, there may also be loss of peripheral vision. It is important to seek medical attention if you experience any signs or symptoms that worry you, particularly if there are sudden changes in your vision.
Risk Factors
Risk factors for developing eye melanoma include being white, having a light eye color (e.g., blue or green), and increasing with age. Certain inherited skin disorders, abnormal skin pigmentation, and exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light may also contribute to the risk. Additionally, certain genetic mutations can increase the likelihood of developing eye melanoma.
Development
Eye melanoma, also known as ocular melanoma, develops when errors occur in the DNA of healthy eye cells, causing them to grow and multiply uncontrollably. The mutated cells accumulate in the eye and form an eye melanoma. It most commonly develops in the cells of the middle layer of the eye (uvea), specifically in the iris, choroid layer, and ciliary body. Rarely, it may occur on the outermost layer of the eye (conjunctiva), in the socket surrounding the eyeball, or on the eyelid. Risk factors for eye melanoma include light eye color, being white, and increasing age.
Assessment and Diagnosis
Triage
You should see a doctor if you have any signs or symptoms that worry you, such as a sensation of flashes or specks of dust in your vision (floaters), a growing dark spot on the iris, a change in the shape of the dark circle (pupil) at the center of your eye, poor or blurry vision in one eye, or loss of peripheral vision. Sudden changes in your vision signal an emergency, so seek immediate care in those situations.
Diagnosis
To diagnose eye melanoma, your doctor may recommend several tests, including an eye exam, eye ultrasound, angiogram of the blood vessels in and around the tumor, optical coherence tomography, and removing a sample of suspicious tissue for testing. An eye biopsy is not usually necessary for diagnosing eye melanoma.
Management and Treatment
Complications
Complications of eye melanoma may include:
- Increasing pressure within the eye (glaucoma): A growing eye melanoma may cause glaucoma, which can result in eye pain, redness, and blurry vision.
- Vision loss: Large eye melanomas often cause vision loss in the affected eye and can lead to retinal detachment, causing additional vision loss. Small eye melanomas can also cause vision loss if they occur in critical parts of the eye, resulting in difficulty seeing in the center or on the side of your vision. Advanced eye melanomas can cause complete vision loss.
- Eye melanoma spreading beyond the eye: Eye melanoma can metastasize outside the eye and affect other areas of the body, including the liver, lungs, and bones. Please consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice and information regarding your specific situation.
Home Remedies
It is crucial to consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis, treatment, and management of eye melanoma. Home remedies are generally not effective for treating cancer and might even delay proper medical care.
Treatment
Treatment for eye melanoma is available, but it depends on the size and location of the tumor. Some small eye melanomas may not interfere with vision and may not require treatment, while others may need to be removed surgically. Large eye melanomas typically cause some vision loss, and treatment options may include radiation therapy, laser therapy, or surgery to remove the tumor. In some cases, a combination of treatments may be used. Consult an eye specialist or oncologist for personalized advice on the most appropriate treatment options based on your specific situation.
Preparing for medical consultation
To prepare for an appointment for eye melanoma, you should:
- Write down your medical history, including any previous medical conditions, other cancers, and any radiation therapy you may have received.
- Note any personal history of exposure to excessive ultraviolet (UV) light, such as spending time outdoors without proper protection or using tanning beds.
- Make a list of immediate family members who have had skin cancer or other types of cancer.
- Make a list of your current medications, vitamins, supplements, and herbal remedies.
- Write down any symptoms you are experiencing, even if they seem unrelated to eye melanoma.
- Be aware of any pre-appointment restrictions or instructions provided when you schedule the appointment.
- Consider bringing a family member or friend along for support and to help remember important information discussed during the appointment.
- Bring any previous scans, X-rays, and medical records relevant to your eye melanoma. Remember to be prepared and open with your doctor about your concerns and questions. This will help ensure that you make the most of your limited time together.