 |
|
|
 |
|
|
Conditions
|
Name
Iris Melanoma
Description
The iris is the colored part of the eye. It is made up of two layers. The outer "stroma" can be blue, hazel, green or brown. The back layer (the iris pigment epithelium) is always brown. Tumors can grow within and behind the iris. Though most iris tumors are cysts or nevi, malignant melanomas can also occur in the iris.
This tapioca-colored iris tumor has pulled the iris pigment epithelium out onto the surface of the iris stroma.
Symptoms
Iris melanoma patients usually have no symptoms. The tumor might be noticed by the patient, their family, or by the eye care specialist (during a routine eye examination). Some people have lots of freckles on their irides. Some of these pigmented spots have thickness and are called Nevi.
If the patient notices that one of their nevi has changed, enlarged or is pulling (ovalization) on the pupil; they should see an eye care specialist for evaluation and possible referral to an eye cancer specialist.
Diagnosis
Photographs of the surface of the iris tumor should be obtained to establish a baseline for future comparisons. High frequency ultrasound is used to examine the depth of an iris tumor. Ultrasound can reveal if the tumor is cystic or solid, how it extends within the iris and ciliary body. Ophthalmic oncologists use high frequency ultrasound to diagnose and follow iris tumors for evidence of growth or regression after treatment.
 High frequency ultrasound shows diffuse iris thickening with bowing and invasion of the iris pigment epithelium
Characteristics that suggest that an iris tumor is cancerous include seeing blood vessels within the tumor (intrinsic vascularity), secondary glaucoma, evidence that the pupil is deformed (ectropion uveae), and the development of a cataract beneath the tumor.
A diffuse iris melanoma causing severe glaucoma was too large to remove or irradiate and was treated by enucleation.
The most important finding is documented growth. Since iris melanomas are commonly small, and rarely (1-5%) spread to other parts of the body, these tumors are typically watched for evidence of growth before biopsy or treatment is considered. A small amount of growth is not thought to significantly affect the rate of metastasis from iris melanoma.
When necessary, eye cancer specialists can use a small incision in the cornea to gain access to an iris tumor. A biopsy can usually tell if the tumor is benign or malignant.
Treatments
Most pigmented iris tumors do not grow. They are photographed and monitored with periodic observation. When an iris melanoma is documented to grow, we know that it can damage the eye and may cause secondary glaucoma. Then, treatment (despite its risks) becomes more reasonable.
Small Iris Melanomas:
Most small iris melanomas can be surgically removed.
Medium-sized Iris Melanomas:
Large iris resections are possible, but plaque radiotherapy may be considered for these tumors. A cataract is likely to develop, but since the radiation plaque is far from the central retina, vision limiting radiation retinopathy is unlikely.
Large-sized Iris Melanomas:
These cases can be difficult to treat with eye-sparing therapies. Many of these tumors cause untreatable glaucoma and may require removal of the eye.
A diffuse iris melanoma causing severe glaucoma was too large to remove or irradiate and was treated by enucleation.
Related Links
Read About Radiation for Iris and Ciliary Body Melanoma
Read the Scientific Literature about Iris Melanoma
Read About a New Small Incision Iris Biopsy Technique
Search the Internet about Iris Melanoma
|
|
 |
| While this WWW site is intended to provide general information as a public service, the content is not intended to represent official policies and practices of the institution or to substitute for health care provided by a clinician. Content and design copyright © Paul T. Finger, MD 1998-2010. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED •115 East 61st Street • New York City, New York 10021 • (212) 832-8170 |
|