Uveal melanoma

Uveal Melanoma is a rare form of eye cancer that originates in the uvea, the middle layer of the eye that includes the iris, ciliary body, and choroid. It is the most common primary intraocular malignancy in adults, but it is still relatively rare compared to other types of cancer.

Etiology

The exact cause of uveal melanoma is not known. However, certain risk factors have been identified, including light eye color, older age, and certain genetic mutations. Exposure to sunlight or artificial UV light does not appear to be a risk factor, unlike cutaneous melanoma.

Pathophysiology

Uveal melanoma arises from melanocytes, the pigment-producing cells in the uvea. These cells can undergo genetic mutations that cause them to grow and divide uncontrollably, forming a tumor. The most common genetic mutations in uveal melanoma involve the GNAQ and GNA11 genes.

Clinical Presentation

Patients with uveal melanoma may be asymptomatic, or they may present with visual disturbances such as blurred vision or a dark spot in the visual field. On examination, a pigmented lesion may be seen in the eye.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of uveal melanoma is typically made based on clinical examination and imaging studies, such as ultrasound of the eye. A biopsy may be performed in some cases to confirm the diagnosis and assess for genetic mutations.

Treatment

The treatment of uveal melanoma depends on the size and location of the tumor, as well as the patient's overall health. Treatment options may include surgery, radiation therapy, and targeted therapy with drugs that attack specific genetic mutations.

Prognosis

The prognosis of uveal melanoma depends on various factors, including the size and location of the tumor, the presence of genetic mutations, and whether the cancer has spread to other parts of the body.

See Also

• Melanoma
• Eye cancer
• Uvea