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Uveal melanocytoma is a heavily pigmented, usually benign tumor made of melanocytes, considered a dark variant of a melanocytic nevus. It most commonly involves the optic disc but can also arise in the iris, ciliary body, or choroid. Most lesions stay stable for years, but some enlarge slowly and rarely transform into melanoma. Regular eye exams help detect growth or complications early.
read more about uveal-melanocytoma ...Melanocytomas are typically dark brown to black and sharply pigmented on exam. They are often found incidentally during a dilated eye exam. Location helps guide the differential diagnosis.
Many people have no symptoms, but a melanocytoma can affect vision if it involves the optic nerve or causes secondary changes. Mild enlargement can occur over time, and rare malignant transformation is possible. Monitoring is important because complications can be treatable when caught early.
Diagnosis is primarily clinical using a dilated exam and documentation of the lesion's size and borders. Fundus photography and optical coherence tomography (OCT) help track subtle change over time. Ultrasound or other imaging may be used if elevation or extension is suspected. Follow-up is often yearly, or sooner if there are concerning changes.
Most uveal melanocytomas are observed rather than removed because they are usually benign. Treatment focuses on managing complications and reassessing the diagnosis if growth, new symptoms, or suspicious features develop. If malignant transformation is suspected, a specialist may recommend further testing and definitive therapy. A referral to an ocular oncologist is common for atypical or changing lesions.
It is usually benign and behaves more like a nevus than a cancer. Malignant transformation can occur but is uncommon, so ongoing monitoring is recommended.
Yes. Slow, mild enlargement can occur over years, and growth alone does not always mean cancer. Your eye doctor monitors for the pattern of growth and any new complications.
Seek prompt care for sudden vision loss, a new blind spot, increasing floaters, or eye pain. These can signal complications such as necrosis, bleeding, or pressure-related issues.
Follow-up commonly includes dilated exams with photos and sometimes OCT or visual field testing. The goal is to document stability and catch change early. Your clinician sets the interval based on lesion features and symptoms.
Melanocytoma of the Optic Disc with Adjacent Retinal Vascular Invasion in a Patient with Uveal Melanocytoma. Mukit R, et al. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40174716/. Date Accessed: February 19, 2026.
Unilateral Congenital Iridic Melanocytoma Complicated with Secondary Glaucoma: A Case Report. Wang W, et al. https://www.dovepress.com/unilateral-congenital-iridic-melanocytoma-complicated-with-secondary-g-peer-reviewed-fulltext-article-OPTH. Date Accessed: February 19, 2026.
Using Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasonography to Study a Choroidal Melanocytoma: A Case Report and Literature Review. Tsai M-C, et al. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36690981/. Date Accessed: February 19, 2026.
Successful Aflibercept Treatment for Choroidal Neovascularization Secondary to Optic Disc Melanocytoma: A Case Report. Desmarest A, et al. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39648472/. Date Accessed: February 19, 2026.
Intravitreal Bevacizumab Causes Rapid Regression of Disc Neovascularization Associated with Large Optic Disk Melanocytoma: A Case Report. Pan African Medical Journal. https://www.panafrican-med-journal.com/content/article/48/156/full/. Date Accessed: February 19, 2026.