Eye melanoma

Overview

Melanoma, a formidable adversary, emerges from the melanocytes—the pigment-producing cells that lend color to our skin. This insidious form of cancer can strike anyone, regardless of age or background. As we delve into the intricacies of melanoma, let’s explore its types, causes, symptoms, prevention strategies, and management.

Types of Eye melanoma

1. Superficial Spreading Melanoma: The most common type, it initially grows along the skin’s surface before penetrating deeper. Vigilance is crucial, as it can evolve rapidly.
2. Nodular Melanoma: Aggressive and fast-growing, it often presents as a raised bump or node on the skin.
3. Lentigo Maligna Melanoma: Typically affecting sun-damaged skin in older individuals, it develops on the face, scalp, or neck.
4. Acral Lentiginous Melanoma: Rare but impactful, it occurs on the palms, soles, or under nails, especially in people of African or Asian descent.

Causes of Eye melanoma

• UV Exposure: Sunlight and tanning beds contribute significantly to melanoma development.
• Fair Skin: Lighter skin tones are more susceptible.
• Weakened Immune System: Certain conditions or medications compromise immunity.

Risk Factors of Eye melanoma

• Genetic Factors: Mutations in melanocyte genes play a role.
• Family History: A lineage of melanoma increases risk.

Symptoms of Eye melanoma

Preventions of Eye melanoma

• Sun Protection: Avoid midday sun, wear sunscreen, and protective clothing.
• Avoid Tanning Beds: These emit harmful UV rays.
• Regular Skin Checks: Monitor moles and seek professional evaluation.

Diagnosis of Eye melanoma

• Physical Examination: A thorough skin assessment.
• Biopsy: Punch, excisional, or incisional methods.
• Treatment Options: Surgery, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapy.

Treatment for Eye melanoma

1. Surgical Approaches

• Wide Local Excision: The primary tumor and a margin of healthy tissue are surgically removed. The extent of excision depends on the tumor thickness.
• Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy (SLNB): Determines if cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes. If positive, further lymph node dissection may be necessary.
• Lymph Node Dissection: Removal of affected lymph nodes.
• Mohs Surgery: Precise removal of skin layers, especially for facial melanomas.
• Amputation: Rarely used for advanced acral lentiginous melanoma affecting extremities.

2. Adjuvant Therapies

• Immunotherapy:
  • Checkpoint Inhibitors: Enhance the immune system’s ability to recognize and attack cancer cells.
  • Interleukin-2 (IL-2): Stimulates immune response.
• Targeted Therapy:
  • BRAF Inhibitors: Effective for melanomas with BRAF gene mutations.
  • MEK Inhibitors: Combined with BRAF inhibitors.
• Radiation Therapy: Used post-surgery to target remaining cancer cells.
• Chemotherapy: Reserved for advanced cases or when other treatments fail.
• Intralesional Therapy: Injecting medications directly into the tumor.

3. Surveillance and Follow-Up

• Regular Skin Checks: Monitor for new or changing moles.
• Imaging Studies: CT scans, PET scans, or MRI to detect metastasis.
• Blood Tests: To assess overall health and monitor tumor markers.
• Psychosocial Support: Coping with the emotional impact of diagnosis and treatment.

4. Clinical Trials

• Cutting-Edge Research: Participation in clinical trials for novel therapies.
• Personalized Medicine: Tailoring treatment based on genetic profiling.

When to seek medical attention ?

• Promptly Seek Medical Attention:
  • New or evolving moles.
  • Unusual growths.
  • Bleeding or ulceration.
• High-Risk Individuals:
  • Those with multiple risk factors.