What is Ocular Melanoma

Melanoma is a malignant (cancerous) tumour that is more commonly found on ones skin. Though relatively rare it can be found in the eye. In the eye, melanoma can be found in the pigmented cells (melanocytes) of the uvea. The uvea is divided into 3 parts termed the iris (coloured, front part of the eye), ciliary body (middle part), and choroid (back part). The uvea is comprised of blood vessels and pigmented (coloured) cells called melanocytes. It is in these melanocytes of the choroid, ciliary body or iris that malignant melanomas start. Ocular Melanoma can spread to other organs eg the liver & one should have range of tests done to rule this out.