About Ocular Melanoma
Ocular melanoma is a cancer of the eye. Melanomas form in the pigment-producing cells in the body. These cells, called melanocytes, give our eyes and skin their colour.
Although this cancer shares its name with skin melanoma, there are major differences between melanomas affecting the eye and the skin.
Ocular melanomas are rare. Every year, around 750 people are diagnosed with this cancer in the UK.
Types of Ocular Melanoma:
There are many different types of ocular melanomas. They are identified based on the part of the eye they start in.
The eye is made of many different layers that work together to help us see things:
- The outer layer
This is the part of the eye you see when you look at yourself in the mirror. This part of the eye is also called the conjunctiva. Cancers in this part of the eye are called conjunctival melanomas. - The middle layer
The eye’s middle layer is made of the iris, ciliary body, and choroid. Cancers in this part of the eye are called uveal melanomas.
They are sometimes called iris melanomas, ciliary melanomas, and choroidal melanomas, named after the area where the cancer develops. - The inner layer
This layer collects signals and sends them to the eye, enabling vision. Orbital melanomas and retinoblastomas develop in this part of the eye.
Symptoms of eye cancer:
Not all ocular melanomas cause symptoms. For this reason, these cancers are found during a routine eye test.
But sometimes, you may visit your optician or optometrist because you have some symptoms.
- Common symptoms of uveal melanoma include:
- Blurred vision
- Seeing shadows
- Seeing flashing lights
- Seeing floaters
- Pain in the eye
- Symptoms of conjunctival melanoma include:
- Changes to a nevus
- The appearance of new dark or brown patches in the whites of the eye
- Seeing a tumour on the edge of your eye
Other common conditions can also cause these symptoms. It is important to have regular eye tests and have any changes to your vision checked by your GP or optometrist.
Treatments for eye cancer that has not spread
There are different treatment options available for people with ocular melanomas.
To work out the best treatment for you, your doctors will look at several factors including:
- The type of ocular melanoma you have (uveal or conjunctival)
- The size and position of your tumour
- How thick the tumour is
- Whether the cancer has spread
- Your overall age and health
Your medical team will explain your treatment options and side effects, and help you make treatment decisions.
Treatments for eye cancers that have spread
Eye cancer can sometimes spread to nearby areas by growing directly through the tissue. Or, if cancer cells from the eye break away and travel to a new location. You will often hear the term metastases, metastatic disease, or secondaries when doctors are talking about cancers that have spread away from the eye.
Your doctor will recommend treatment to control your cancer and slow down its spread. There are two main types of treatment to control cancer: targeted treatments and systemic treatments. Treatments will also differ based on the type of eye melanoma you have.
Uveal melanomas spread to the liver most often. Conjunctival and orbital melanomas more commonly spread to the head and neck.
Follow-up care
After treatment, your medical team will make a plan to monitor changes to your eye. You will be told about any side effects you can expect and how to manage them.
Depending on your cancer type, you may be offered surveillance scans on other parts of your body. These scans may be arranged so that any changes or cancer spread are detected as early as possible.
If you are worried about surveillance scans, have related questions, or have any new symptoms, speak to your medical team. They can guide you.
You can also contact us to talk through what is on your mind and how you can find answers to your questions.
Living with ocular melanoma
A cancer diagnosis can affect your well-being.
You may need time to adjust to the changes in your vision, side effects from treatment, or strong emotions. You might also find it difficult to cope with the changes in your life. This is normal.
Having emotional and practical support before, during, and after treatment is helpful. But you might not know where to find it.
Outside of friends and family and your medical team, Ocular Melanoma UK has a variety of services to support you:
Helpline – Our dedicated helpline is available to anyone affected by ocular melanoma and provides a safe space to talk through your thoughts. We can help guide you on how to receive answers to any questions you have.
Community Support – At Ocular Melanoma UK, we want to bring people together as we can make Ocular Melanoma feel a little less rare. We run several forums and meetings so you have a place where you can talk to other people who have had similar experiences.
Psychological Support – This can sound daunting at first, but talking through your experience and thoughts with an experienced specialist in ocular melanomas can be incredibly helpful. We have supported members for several years by providing people with free sessions. Learning you have a condition that needs treatment can be difficult, so it is quite normal to talk to a professional who understands its impact and how to adjust to life.
Become a member today
We will keep you updated with any latest developments. It’s easy and free for you to join us. Members will receive:
- Access to our online community
- Monthly E-bulletins
- Discounts on items in our online shop section
- Access to free, expert psychological & emotional support counselling
- Free entrance to our annual conference, member meet ups and annual general meeting.
Contact us for support
The Ocular Melanoma UK helpline offers confidential support to people living with Ocular Melanoma and their loved ones.
Call us on 0300 790 0512
Lines open between 10am – 7pm Monday – Friday
Email us
Email us on helpline@omuk.org