Melanoma of the iris is a cancer of the eye that is often asymptomatic and detected during routine eye exams. Treatment depends on the severity and location of the tumor and can include surgical removal, cryo- and radiation therapy, and even enucleation. If left untreated, it can lead to secondary conditions such as glaucoma and blindness.
Melanoma of the iris is cancer of the eye. Originating from the irregular production of cells responsible for the color of the iris, known as melanocytes, melanoma of the iris is often considered an asymptomatic condition, meaning that an individual does not usually show any signs or symptoms of the disease. Once detected, treatment for melanoma of the iris, also known as ocular melanoma, is determined by the severity and location of the tumor. If left untreated, an eye melanoma can contribute to secondary conditions that can range from glaucoma to blindness.
Most iris melanomas are detected during routine eye exams. Using focused light, an ophthalmologist examines the inner workings of the eye, which can reveal signs suggestive of a melanoma in the iris, including distended blood vessels and pupil distortion. Upon discovery, angiographic and ultrasound tests may be done to evaluate the tumor and the health of the surrounding eye blood vessels. It is not uncommon to obtain a sample of the growth for lab testing to discount or confirm malignancy.
Similar to other forms of malignancy, it is not known what initiates the abnormal cell production associated with an iris melanoma. Death is part of normal cell life cycles, but mutated melanocyte cells do not die. The accumulation of mutated melanocytes contributes to the formation of a neoplastic mass, or tumor, in the central portion of the eye, known as the uvea. As the tumor matures, eye function is impaired. Although most people with eye melanoma remain asymptomatic, signs and symptoms can sometimes occur.
Symptomatic individuals may notice changes in the appearance of the iris, such as pupil shape and localized darkening. Vision changes may also occur, including persistent blurring or sensitivity to light. If a malignant melanoma of the iris remains undiagnosed, or if treatment is delayed, the individual may be at significant risk of vision loss or metastasis, which is the spread of the malignancy to other parts of the body.
Treatment for an iris melanoma is determined by several factors, including the staging and location of the tumor. If the tumor is thought to be benign or noncancerous and doesn’t affect eye function or vision, it may just require regular monitoring. Malignant melanomas of the iris, also known as iris neoplasms, may require surgical removal of the tumor and the administration of cryo- and radiation therapy.
Excision of an iris melanoma may require partial or complete removal of the iris. Significantly invasive tumors may require enucleation or removal of the eye and implantation of an ocular prosthesis. Postoperative therapy may involve administering cryo- and radiation therapy directly to the affected eye to kill any cancerous cells that may remain.
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