Iris and ciliary body tumors, also known as uveal melanoma, are a type of cancer that develops in the uvea, the pigmented layer of the eye that contains the iris, ciliary body, and choroid. These structures are essential for the proper functioning of the eye, as they regulate the amount of light entering the eye, control the shape of the lens, and produce aqueous humor.

The exact cause of iris and ciliary body tumors is unknown, but several factors may increase the risk of developing them, including:

  • Genetics: If you have family members with uveal melanoma, you are at a higher risk of developing it.
  • Sun Exposure: Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun can damage the DNA of uveal cells and increase the risk of cancer.
  • Age: The risk of uveal melanoma increases with age.
  • Eye Color: People with blue or light-colored eyes are at a higher risk of uveal melanoma than those with brown eyes.
  • Gender: Men have a slightly higher risk of developing uveal melanoma than women.

Symptoms of Iris and Ciliary Body Tumors:

Iris and ciliary body tumors often do not present symptoms in their early stages. However, as the tumor grows, the following symptoms may appear:

  • Blurry or distorted vision
  • Floaters or spots in vision
  • Eye pain
  • Eye redness
  • Changes in the shape of the pupil
  • Loss of vision in a visual field

 

If you experience any of the symptoms described above, it is important to consult an ophthalmologist immediately. The specialist will perform a thorough eye examination and may request imaging tests such as an ocular ultrasound or an MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) to obtain a more detailed image of the tumor.

Treatment of Iris and Ciliary Body Tumors:

The treatment of these tumors will depend on the size, location, and stage of the tumor. Treatment options may include:

  • Surgery: Surgery to remove the tumor is the most common treatment.
  • Radiotherapy: Radiation is used to destroy tumor cells.
  • Photodynamic Therapy: This treatment uses a photosensitive drug and laser light to destroy tumor cells.
  • Molecular Targeted Therapy: These medications target specific molecular abnormalities present in tumor cells.

 

The prognosis will depend on various factors, such as the size, location, and stage of the tumor, and response to treatment. In general, the prognosis for these tumors detected in the early stages is good. However, tumors in more advanced stages may be more difficult to treat, and the prognosis may be worse.