Alternative Names
Malignant melanoma – choroid; Malignant melanoma – eye; Eye tumor; Ocular melanoma
Definition of Melanoma of the eye
Melanoma of the eye is cancer that occurs in various parts of the eye.
Causes, incidence, and risk factors
is a very aggressive type of cancer that can spread rapidly.
Signs and tests
An eye examination with an ophthalmoscope may reveal a single round or oval lump (tumor) in the eye.
Treatment
Small melanomas may be treated with lasers, brachytherapy, or .
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.
Review
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. – 8/18/2009
