OCULAR MELANOMA
In 2025, it is estimated that 5 people in every 1 million in the United States will be diagnosed with this rare cancer that begins in the cells (melanocytes) that make the eyes' pigment (melanin). Ocular Melanoma is also called Eye Melanoma.
Under the umbrella of Ocular Melanoma, the terms Uveal Melanoma and Conjunctival Melanoma identify the two primary locations, with Uveal being by far the majority of the cases.
- UVEAL MELANOMA: The uvea — the middle layer within the eye that lies above the retina and beneath the sclera and cornea — is the site for eye melanomas approx. 85% of the time. Uveal Melanoma and Intraocular Melanoma (meaning "within the eye") are used interchangeably to indicate this location. Also, depending on where the tumor is in the uveal tract, the diagnosis would include a further identifier of Choroidal Melanoma (in the layer of blood vessels nourishing the retina along the back portion of the eye — approx. 90% of uveal melanomas), Ciliary Body Melanoma (in the structure surrounding the eye's lens behind the iris), or Iris Melanoma (in the colored part of the eye surrounding the pupil behind the cornea). See illustration for eye anatomy.
- CONJUNCTIVAL MELANOMA: Approx. 5% of eye melanomas occur in the conjunctiva, which is the mucosal membrane that covers the outer portion of the sclera (the white part of the eye) and that also lines the upper and lower eyelid. Conjunctival Melanoma refers to the tumor being located somewhere along this membrane.
EDUCATIONAL INFORMATION AND SUPPORT SERVICES
Regarding educational medical information, the biology and clinical management of Uveal Melanoma and Conjunctival Melanoma are distinct from each other. As a result, you will almost always find that the author of a medical presentation or published material has specified in the title which of these two OM types is discussed, unless both are covered.
Regarding support resources and services available to the OM community, providers rarely have criteria for assistance that differentiate between patients with Uveal Melanoma and with Conjunctival Melanoma. As a result, you will almost always find that organizations label their resources and services using the umbrella term Ocular Melanoma.
Informational Text: EyeMelanoma.org (with OM statistics compiled from American Academy of Ophthalmology)