What is uveal melanoma?

What is uveal melanoma?
Uveal melanoma is a rare malignant tumor that may develop in the iris, ciliary body, or choroid. It is the most common primary intraocular cancer in adults. Often discovered during a routine eye exam, uveal melanoma may arise from a pre-existing nevus. If left untreated, uveal melanoma can metastasize, most commonly to the liver.

Symptoms

There are often no symptoms, but some patients experience:
• Flashing lights
• Floating particles
• Blurred vision
• Visual field loss

Prevalence

Uveal melanoma is very rare, with about 2,000 cases diagnosed each year
in the United States. It is much more common in white individuals and
occurs most often in adults over the age of 50.