Ciliary body melanoma

Ciliary Body Melanoma is a rare form of eye cancer that originates in the ciliary body, a part of the eye responsible for producing the fluid in the eye, also known as aqueous humor. This type of melanoma is a subtype of uveal melanoma, which is the most common primary intraocular malignancy in adults.

Epidemiology

Ciliary body melanoma is a rare disease, accounting for approximately 6% of all uveal melanomas. The incidence rate is estimated to be around 0.2 cases per 100,000 people per year. It is more common in adults, with a median age of diagnosis around 55 years.

Pathophysiology

The ciliary body contains melanocytes, which are cells that produce the pigment melanin. In ciliary body melanoma, these melanocytes become cancerous and start to grow uncontrollably. The exact cause of this transformation is not fully understood, but it is believed to involve genetic mutations and possibly exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation.

Clinical Presentation

Patients with ciliary body melanoma often present with symptoms such as blurred vision, a visible mass in the eye, or pain. However, in some cases, the tumor may be discovered incidentally during a routine eye examination.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of ciliary body melanoma is typically made based on clinical examination and imaging studies, such as ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or computed tomography (CT) scan. A biopsy may be performed to confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment

The treatment of ciliary body 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, or in some cases, enucleation (removal of the eye).

Prognosis

The prognosis for ciliary body melanoma is generally poor, with a 5-year survival rate of approximately 50%. Factors that may affect prognosis include the size of the tumor, the presence of metastasis, and the patient's overall health.

See Also

• Eye cancer
• Melanoma
• Uveal melanoma