Melanoma of the eye
Definition
Melanoma of the eye is cancer that occurs in various parts of the eye, such as the choroid, the iris, or the ciliary body. The choroid layer is the most likely location of melanoma in the eye.
Alternative Names
Malignant melanoma - choroid; Malignant melanoma - eye; Eye tumor; Ocular melanomaCauses
Melanoma is a very aggressive type of cancer that can spread rapidly. It often affects the skin.
Melanoma is the most common type of eye tumor in adults. Even so, primary melanoma of the eye is rare.
The cancer may only be in the eye, or it may spread to another location in the body. There may be no early symptoms, but the tumor will eventually cause a retinal detachment and distortion of vision.
Excessive exposure to sunlight is an important risk factor. The occurrence of melanoma has greatly increased in recent decades. Fair-skinned and blue-eyed people are affected most often.
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