#32. Malignant melanoma of the uvea.

Question 1

What is MALIGNANT MELANOMA of the UVEA?

Answer 1

AKA Uveal Melanoma

• INVOLVES the:
  a. Iris
  b. Ciliary Body
  c. Choroid

Question 2

What are the RISK FACTORS of Developing MALIGNANT MELANOMA of UVEA?

Answer 2

• Iris Colour
• Skin Colour
• Ability to Tan
• Northern European Ancestry
• Family History of Uveal Melanoma (RARE)

Question 3

What is the CAUSE (Etiology) of MALIGNANT MELANOMA of UVEA?

Answer 3

MELANOCYTES in the:
- Choroid
- Ciliary Body
- Iris

Question 4

What is the CLINICAL PRESENTATION of MALIGNANT MELANOMA of UVEA?

Answer 4

DEPENDS on the LOCATION of the TUMOUR:

A) POSTERIOR Choroid Tumour
- DECREASED Visual Acuity
- Floaters
- Photopsia
- Visual Field Defects

B) Tumours in the IRIS
- Iris Colour changes
- Externally observed Iris Abnormalities

Question 5

What is the TREATMENT for MALIGNANT MELANOMA of UVEA?

Answer 5

• PRIMARY GOAL = PREVENT Metastasis , VIA ENUCLEATION
• RADIATION THERAPY

Question 6

What is the PROGNOSIS of MALIGNANT MELANOMA of UVEA?

Answer 6

VARIES, depending on:
- Age
- Size of Tumour

• Cell Type seen Histologically
  a. BEST Prognosis = SPINDLE A Cells
  b. WORST Prognosis = EPITHELIAL Cells
• Histological Characteristics
  a. MEIOTIC Activity
  b. LYMPHOCYTIC Infiltration
  c. Fibrovascular Loops
• Location of Tumour = Melanomas AT IRIS have HIGH RISK of Metastasis
• Extent of Metastasis