Melanoma of the eye
Melanoma is a form of cancer that develops in melanin-producing cells Melanin is the pigment that gives the skin its color There are also melanin-producing cells in the eyes that can develop into melanoma
Most eye melanomas form in a spot that we can't see when we look in the mirror. This makes melanoma difficult to detect In addition, melanoma does not cause early symptoms
Eye melanoma can be treated Treatment of small melanomas of the eye does not cause vision-related complications However, treating large melanomas may result in partial vision loss
It is not known what causes ocular melanoma Doctors know that melanoma forms when a mutation develops in the DNA of healthy eye cells This mutation causes cells to grow and multiply out of control Abnormal cells are not characterized by death Mutated cells accumulate in the eye and form melanoma
Where does ocular melanoma develop Ocular melanoma is mainly formed in the cells of the vascular lining of the eye. The vascular membrane of the eye is placed between the retina and the white part of the eye (sclera). Melanoma of the eye can develop in both the anterior and posterior parts of the choroid
Ocular melanoma can also form in the outermost layer of the front part of the eye (conjunctiva), which surrounds the eyeball and eyelids. However, these types of tumors are rare
Melanoma of the eye, in some cases, does not cause symptoms However, symptoms may include:
- A growing, dark spot on the colored membrane of the eye
- Perception of bright lights
- Change in the shape of the pupil in the center of the eye
- Poor or blurred vision in one eye
- Loss of peripheral vision
- Feeling that Sudden changes in vision require immediate medical attention
