Melanoma

This is a malignant tumour arising from melanocytes. Intraocular melanoma develops within the choroid, ciliary body or iris. Extraocular melanoma develops in conjunctiva or skin.

Intraocular (or 'uveal') melanomas affect about one person in every 2500 whereas conjunctival melanomas affect one person in every 125,000. Both tumours tend to affect adults. The cause is unknown, although as with skin melanomas, ocular melanomas tend to be more common in individuals with fair skin, light-coloured eyes, and a tendency to sunburn.