What is an eye melanoma?

Eye melanoma is an extremely rare eye cancer that includes melanocyte cells in the eye. These cells can be found throughout the body and produce a pigment known as melanin. Eye melanoma is closely related to skin melanoma, because the same type of cell is involved in cancer. This condition may be fatal and may result in loss of vision and other complications in patients who do not die on it. The most common is choroidal melanoma, which is manifested in a layer of cells under the retina. Melanoma can also attack the iris, optical nerve, continuous and lids. People with eye melanoma usually notice a problem in the form of blurred or distorted vision, and sometimes melanoma causes a dark spot, cloud or ambiguity. Small melanomas can also be treated with lasers or targeted radiation. If growth is observed, it may be necessary to remove the cancer part of the eye or prevent metastases completely. Eye melanoma often spreads to the liver unless cancer is caught in time or aggressively.

Approximately six of each millions of people develop an eye melanoma, which is very unusual. Patients will usually refer to an oncologist who can work with an ophthalmologist to determine the best treatment. Very few hospitals have programs that specifically engage in eye cancer, let alone eye melanoma, so patients may be obliged to travel around the best treatment. Due to the severity of the melanoma, traveling pays off in most cases.

As with skin melanoma, there are some steps that can be taken to reduce the risk of developing melanoma. It is strongly recommended to minimize exposures to sunlight, especially during the center of the day. For people who work and play outside, they are wearing sunglasses and look to protect the eye from direct sunlight, a good idea, as well as sunscreen and protective clothing to keep the skin safe. Regular eye examinations should also be part of the healthEverybody's routines, so conditions such as eye melanoma can be captured early before they develop a serious problem.