Uveal melanoma: A serious cancer developing inside the eye

Uveal melanoma is a type of intraocular cancer that develops within the uvea, the middle layer of the eye consisting of the iris, ciliary body, and choroid. According to the National Cancer Institute (NCI), the disease has an incidence rate of approximately 4.3 cases per million people annually and is most frequently diagnosed in individuals between the ages of 60 and 70.

While often asymptomatic in its early stages, the cancer is considered serious due to its rapid growth and high potential for metastasis; approximately half of patients may experience the spread of the disease to other organs. Common symptoms that may appear later include blurred vision, light flashes, dark spots or floaters, and progressive changes in vision.

Ophthalmologist Dr. Gabriela Quezada notes that these symptoms can often be confused with other ocular issues. To ensure timely diagnosis and differentiation from other intraocular tumors, specialists recommend comprehensive ophthalmic evaluations, including fundus examinations and standardized ocular ultrasounds.