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Ocular Melanoma

Dharti R. Patel  1 , Kyle Blair  2 , Bhupendra C. Patel  3
In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan.
.
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Ocular Melanoma

Dharti R. Patel et al.
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Excerpt

Melanoma, marked by the malignant overgrowth of melanocytes, encompasses ocular melanoma, the second most prevalent type after cutaneous melanoma and the most common primary intraocular malignant tumor in adults. Approximately 85% originate in the uveal tract, including the iris, ciliary body, and choroid, with most emerging from the ciliary body or choroid. Melanoma can also arise from the melanocytes in the epithelium of the conjunctival membrane, accounting for less than 10% of ocular melanomas.

The risk is most significant in patients with light-colored irises and is further influenced by factors such as sunlight exposure, genetic predisposition, and underlying illnesses. Ocular melanoma can be diagnosed incidentally through funduscopic examination or when patients present with various visual symptoms such as decreased visual acuity, scotoma, visual field loss, ocular pain, or floaters. Diagnostic tools include ultrasound, optical coherence tomography, and fluorescein angiography. A small percentage of patients require a diagnostic biopsy.

Although localized interventions successfully deter relapse, nearly half of individuals with uveal tumors encounter potential metastatic progression due to early micrometastatic occurrences. Ocular melanoma commonly disseminates hematogenously, with the liver being a primary target. The overall prognosis depends on factors such as tumor size, location, and histologic traits. Importantly, the selection of local treatment does not impact long-term survival outcomes.

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Conflict of interest statement

Disclosure: Dharti Patel declares no relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies.

Disclosure: Kyle Blair declares no relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies.

Disclosure: Bhupendra Patel declares no relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies.

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