Uveal Melanoma Explained – What You Should Know

Uveal melanoma is a rare cancer that starts in the pigmented part of the eye, called the uvea. Most people hear about skin melanoma, but the eye version behaves differently and needs its own care plan. If you’ve noticed vision changes or an unusual spot in your eye, it’s worth understanding the basics.

Common Signs and When to Seek Help

Early uveal melanoma often shows up without pain. Typical clues include a dark spot on the iris or behind the pupil, blurry vision, flashes of light, or a feeling that something is moving in the eye. Some folks only find it during a routine eye exam. If any of these symptoms appear, book an appointment with an ophthalmologist right away.

How Doctors Diagnose Uveal Melanoma

Eye specialists use several tools to confirm the diagnosis. A dilated fundus exam lets the doctor see the back of the eye clearly. Imaging tests like ultrasound, optical coherence tomography (OCT) and sometimes MRI give a detailed picture of the tumor size and location. A biopsy is rarely needed because the imaging usually tells the story.Once the tumor is measured, doctors classify it by size (small, medium, large) and by its location within the uvea. This staging guides the treatment plan and helps predict the outlook.

There are a few main ways to treat uveal melanoma. Small tumors may be watched closely, especially if they’re not growing fast. For larger or growing tumors, radiation therapy is the most common choice. Options include plaque brachytherapy — a tiny radiation device placed on the eye’s surface — and stereotactic radiosurgery, which targets the tumor from outside the head.

Surgery is another route, but it’s usually reserved for cases where radiation isn’t suitable or the tumor has spread. Options include removing the tumor (partial enucleation) or, in rare cases, removing the whole eye (enucleation). Even after the eye is saved, regular follow‑up is crucial because uveal melanoma can spread to the liver and other organs.

What about prognosis? Survival rates depend a lot on tumor size, genetic markers, and whether the cancer has spread. Small, early‑detected tumors have a better outlook, while larger or genetically high‑risk tumors need closer monitoring.

Living with uveal melanoma means staying on top of eye check‑ups, liver scans, and any recommended blood tests. Many patients find support groups helpful for coping with the uncertainty and for sharing practical tips about vision changes.

In short, uveal melanoma is serious but manageable when caught early. Watch for visual changes, get a thorough eye exam if anything feels off, and follow your doctor’s monitoring schedule. Knowing the signs, diagnosis steps, and treatment options puts you in a stronger position to protect your vision and overall health.