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.
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)
Illustration provided with permission from National Institutes of Health's National Eye Institute