Is iris melanoma life-threatening?

Iris melanoma can be life-threatening, especially if it is not treated or treated promptly after diagnosis. Although this tumor rarely metastasizes, it is highly malignant and can involve other tissues and even be life-threatening in advanced stages. The key is early detection and precise treatment to control the disease. Treatment options include surgical resection, radiation therapy, and laser therapy.

1) Causes and potential risks

Iris melanoma is caused by the lesions of melanocytes in the iris tissue. The exact cause is not yet fully understood, but it is usually related to gene mutations, long-term ultraviolet exposure, genetic sensitivity and other lesions in the iris. In the early stages, some patients may have no symptoms and are only discovered during an eye examination. When the tumor grows, invades surrounding tissues or causes complications (such as glaucoma, visual impairment), life and health may gradually be threatened. If there is an abnormal pupil shape, increased intraocular pressure or abnormal iris color spots visible to the naked eye, you should be highly vigilant and seek medical attention as soon as possible.

2) Detection and diagnosis

Diagnosis of iris melanoma usually requires detailed examination with specialized ophthalmic equipment. For example, suspicious lesions are observed with a slit lamp microscope, tumor depth is assessed with ultrasound biomicroscopy, and funduscopy is used to check whether other structures are involved. If a malignant tumor is suspected, a tissue biopsy may be performed to confirm the diagnosis and pathological grading. Although some tumors exist, they grow slowly or are not typically invasive and require regular follow-up.

3) Treatment

Treatment options for iris melanoma depend on the condition:

-Surgical resection: Ultraviolet rays are associated with tumor growth. Early detection of localized tumors can usually be treated with surgical resection of the lesion (such as partial iridectomy), with a low recurrence rate after surgery.

-Radiotherapy: In the middle and late stages, if the tumor increases in size or cannot be directly removed, radiotherapy can be used, such as radioactive plaque implantation, to kill local abnormal tissue.

-Laser therapy: For some specific types of small tumors, laser therapy can be used for precise positioning and maximum protection of healthy tissue.

4) Health care and prevention

For the purpose of prevention and risk reduction, it is recommended to avoid long-term exposure to strong ultraviolet rays and wear protective glasses when going out. Regular eye examinations are recommended, especially for those who have had similar diseases or family histories, and to understand the high-risk factors of the disease in advance.

Although iris melanoma is not common, once diagnosed, it is important to pay close attention to the potential threat to life and health. Early detection and standardized treatment are the key to reducing the risk. If there are suspected symptoms or risk factors, an ophthalmologist should be consulted as soon as possible to take appropriate intervention measures to avoid worsening of the disease.