Conjuctival Melanoma

🧿 Conjunctival Melanoma Fact Sheet

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Cancer Type: Ocular Surface Cancer
Primary Site: Conjunctiva (membrane covering the white of the eye and inside of eyelids)
Rarity: Very Rare (less than 2% of all eye tumors)
Source: OcularCancer.com

 

🔍 What is Conjunctival Melanoma?

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Conjunctival melanoma is a rare and potentially life-threatening cancer that originates in the melanocytes (pigment-producing cells) of the conjunctiva. It appears as a darkly pigmented or sometimes pink lesion on the surface of the eye and can spread locally or metastasize (spread to other parts of the body).

 

📊 Key Facts:

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• Prevalence: ~0.2 to 0.5 cases per million people annually
   

• Typical Age at Diagnosis: 50 - 70 years old
   

• Gender: Affects both men and women equally
   

• Laterality: Usually affects one eye (unilateral)

 

🧬 Causes & Risk Factors:

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• Primary acquired melanosis (PAM) with atypia (pre-cancerous condition)
   

• Pre-existing nevus (eye mole)
   

• UV radiation exposure (possible risk factor)
   

• Fair skin and light-colored eyes
   

• Genetic mutations (e.g., BRAF, NRAS, TERT promoter mutations)

 

👁️ Signs and Symptoms:

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• Pigmented (dark brown, black) or non-pigmented (pink, flesh-colored) lesion on the eye
   

• Lesion may be raised, vascularized, or mobile
   

• Growth or change in a pigmented spot on the conjunctiva
   

• Redness, irritation, or foreign body sensation (sometimes)
   

• Possible spread to local lymph nodes
   

🩺 Diagnosis:

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• Slit-lamp examination by an ophthalmologist
   

• Photographic monitoring of lesions over time
   

• Biopsy (excisional or incisional) to confirm malignancy
   

• Immunohistochemistry & genetic testing for mutation profiling
   

• Imaging (MRI, CT, ultrasound) to check for orbital or systemic spread
   

• Sentinel lymph node biopsy in some cases

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⚙️ Staging & Spread:

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• Local invasion: Can extend onto the cornea, sclera, or eyelids
   

• Lymphatic spread: Regional lymph nodes (parotid, submandibular, cervical)
   

• Distant metastasis: Lungs, liver, brain (rare but possible)

 

🧪 Treatment Options:

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• Surgical excision with clear margins
   

• “No-touch” surgical technique to prevent cell seeding
   

• Cryotherapy to edges after removal
   

• Topical chemotherapy (e.g., Mitomycin C)
   

• Radiation therapy (plaque brachytherapy or proton beam in advanced cases)
   

• Lymph node dissection if nodal involvement
   

• Systemic immunotherapy or targeted therapy (in metastatic or advanced cases)

 

🎯 Prognosis:

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• 5-year survival rate: ~80 - 90% with early diagnosis and treatment
   

• Local recurrence: Up to 50% (close follow-up essential)
   

• Metastasis risk: ~15 - 25% in long-term follow-up
   

• Best outcomes with early detection and complete surgical removal

 

🔄 Follow-Up & Monitoring:

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• Frequent eye exams every 3 - 6 months initially, then annually
   

• Long-term monitoring for recurrence or metastasis
   

• Imaging of lymph nodes and distant organs as needed

 

❤️ Support & Resources:

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• Genetic counseling for mutation-positive patients
   

• Ocular oncology and surgical specialists
   

• Survivor networks and rare cancer support groups
   

• Eye prosthetics (if extensive surgery is needed)

 

📌 Key Takeaways:

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• Early detection is critical - monitor pigmented or growing eye lesions
   

• High recurrence risk demands regular, long-term follow-up
   

• Advanced therapies now offer improved outcomes even in complex cases
   

• Conjunctival melanoma is rare but treatable when caught early

 

📚 For more information, patient stories, and support, visit:
🌐 OcularCancer.com - Your resource for education, awareness, and connection for rare eye cancers.

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