Tumors of the Eye
Melanoma can develop in the choroid, the layer behind the retina. While it is rare, it is the most common type of eye tumor in adults. Other cancers found in the body can also spread to the eye.
Many times, melanoma in the eye does not have any symptoms. As the melanoma enlarges, it may cause distortion of the pupil, blurred vision, or decreased visual acuity.
The occurrence of eye melanoma has greatly increased in recent decades. Excessive exposure to sunlight is a large risk factor. Eye melanoma is more common in fair-skinned and blue-eyed people.
Treating Eye Tumors
Melanoma can be detected by routine ophthalmic examination that includes dilation of the pupil and detailed examination of the eye. Small melanomas may be treated with laser therapy. Sometimes a surgical procedure to implant a radioactive plaque may be attached to the eye to apply a dose of radiation then removed a few days later.
In some situations, removal of the eye may be necessary. The prognosis depends on the size and cell type of the melanoma, where the melanoma is located the eye, and whether the melanoma has spread to other parts of the body.
