Summary about Disease
Iris melanoma is a rare type of cancer that develops in the iris, the colored part of the eye. It originates from melanocytes, cells that produce pigment. While often slow-growing and potentially treatable if detected early, iris melanoma can, in some cases, spread to other parts of the eye or body, becoming life-threatening.
Symptoms
A dark spot or growth on the iris.
Change in the shape of the pupil.
Blurred vision.
Double vision.
Pain in the eye (rare).
Glaucoma (increased pressure inside the eye).
Causes
The exact cause of iris melanoma is not fully understood. Risk factors include:
Genetics: Some genetic mutations may increase the risk.
Sun Exposure: Prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation may play a role.
Pre-existing Nevus: Having a pre-existing iris nevus (mole) may slightly increase the risk of malignant transformation.
Fair skin: Individuals with fair skin are generally at higher risk for developing melanoma, including ocular melanoma.
Medicine Used
Treatment options, rather than specific "medicines," are used for iris melanoma and include:
Observation: Small, slow-growing melanomas may be monitored without immediate treatment.
Surgical Removal: Iridectomy (removal of part of the iris) or iridocyclectomy (removal of part of the iris and ciliary body) may be performed.
Radiation Therapy: Brachytherapy (radioactive plaque placement) or external beam radiation therapy may be used.
Enucleation: Removal of the entire eye (in severe cases where the tumor is large or has spread).
Targeted therapy: If the iris melanoma is caused by gene mutations this may be a good option for treatments.
Is Communicable
No, iris melanoma is not communicable or contagious. It cannot be spread from person to person.
Precautions
Regular Eye Exams: Routine eye exams, including dilated eye exams, are crucial for early detection.
Sun Protection: Wear sunglasses that block UV rays to protect your eyes from sun exposure.
Monitor Iris Changes: Be aware of any new spots or changes in existing moles on your iris and report them to your doctor promptly.
Genetic Counselling: If you have a family history of melanoma (ocular or cutaneous), consider genetic counseling.
How long does an outbreak last?
Iris melanoma does not have an "outbreak" in the traditional sense of an infectious disease. It is a tumor that develops over time. If left untreated, it will continue to grow.
How is it diagnosed?
Diagnosis typically involves:
Ophthalmoscopy: Examination of the eye with a specialized instrument.
Slit-Lamp Examination: Microscopic examination of the eye structures.
Gonioscopy: Examination of the drainage angle of the eye.
Ultrasound Biomicroscopy (UBM): High-resolution ultrasound imaging.
Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT): Imaging technique to visualize the iris and surrounding structures.
Photography: Documenting the appearance of the lesion.
Biopsy: Rarely performed due to the risk of seeding the tumor, but may be necessary in certain cases.
Timeline of Symptoms
The timeline of symptoms can vary significantly. In some cases, a small spot may be present for years without causing any noticeable symptoms. Other cases may progress more rapidly. General timeline:
Early stages: Often asymptomatic, with a small, subtle spot on the iris.
Intermediate stages: Changes in pupil shape, blurry vision, or double vision may develop.
Advanced stages: Pain, glaucoma, or spread to other parts of the eye or body may occur.
Important Considerations
Early detection is crucial for successful treatment and prevention of spread.
Treatment decisions should be made in consultation with an ophthalmologist specializing in ocular oncology.
Regular follow-up is essential to monitor for recurrence or metastasis.
Individuals with a history of melanoma (either cutaneous or ocular) should be particularly vigilant about eye health.
Even after successful treatment, there is a risk of recurrence or the development of new melanomas.