Uveal Melanoma

The most common primary eye cancer in adults

Overview

Uveal melanoma is a cancer arising from pigment cells in the uvea, the middle layer of the eye made up of the iris, ciliary body, and choroid. Most arise in the choroid. Although rare overall, it is the most common primary intraocular cancer in adults, and it is more frequent in people with fair skin and light colored eyes. Many cases cause no symptoms and are found on routine eye examination, while others cause blurred vision, flashes, or shadows. Treatment options include plaque brachytherapy, proton beam radiotherapy, and removal of the eye, and the liver is the main site of spread.