Essay About Ocular Melanoma

radiation reached the choroid membrane because it was filtered by the cornea and lens. This suggests that prolonged exposure to UV radiation may contribute to the development of eye melanoma. Additionally, using artificial radiation from welding and sunlamps increases the risk of developing choroid and ciliary body melanoma.

Gene mutations, or DNA alterations, can cause the formation of cancer cells. This can occur either through inherited mutations or acquired ones. One example is the BAP1 tumor suppressor genes, where inherited mutations can raise the risk of eye melanoma development (Jovanovic, et al., p.).

A study conducted in 1237 revealed that around 80% of eye melanomas are caused by genetic changes during life. Specifically, mutations in the oncogenes GNA II or GNA Q contribute to cancer development. Furthermore, chromosomal abnormalities, particularly in chromosome 3, aid in the spread of ocular melanoma beyond the eye. Dysplastic nevus syndrome is another factor associated with ocular melanomas, characterized by the formation of atypical moles (known as dysplastic nevi) that differ from normal moles. These dysplastic nevi appear clustered with mixed colors and have a higher likelihood of becoming malignant melanomas compared to ordinary moles.

Patients with ocular melanoma typically display various symptoms depending on the size, extent, and location of the tumor. Common indications include a gradually growing dark spot within the iris, blurred vision, flashes of light, and watery eyes. Additionally, during a vision examination against a plain background, tiny dot-like specks may become noticeable (Jovanovic et al., p. 1232).

In the past, ocular melanoma necessitated complete eye removal as the only treatment option. Nevertheless, advances in research have led to new diagnostic procedures that enable early detection of melanoma. Consequently, more

effective treatment alternatives are now accessible.

Regular appointments with an ophthalmologist can aid in early detection, as stated by Jovanovic et al. (p. 1232). These check-ups involve the doctor examining the external part of the eye for indications of enlarged blood vessels. Ophthalmoscopy is another diagnostic technique used to inspect the internal part of the eye and identify any irregularities.

In the case of Ocular melanoma, doctors can detect dark spots in the Iris or distorted pupils. Confirmatory tests, such as Ultrasound, may be required to diagnose eye melanoma. During this procedure, a device emitting sound waves is used to scan the skin surrounding the eye. The resulting movements are recorded and transformed into images that show the size, location, and potential spread of the tumor in ocular melanoma. On another note, Fluorescein Angiography entails injecting a yellow dye into patients and monitoring its flow through their eye's blood vessels.

Observing the hyper fluorescence in the tumor vessels is a way to identify the size and position of ocular melanoma. Furthermore, a CT scan can provide three-dimensional images of the head's interior, aiding in locating the eye tumor and determining melanoma spread. The treatment for ocular melanoma varies based on factors like tumor size, eye position, patient health, and cytogenetics. Smaller tumors are typically more manageable and may be completely destroyed through treatment. However, certain tumors might develop resistance to therapy or may be considered too large for effective treatment.

According to Weidmeyer (p. 70), the doctors provide a range of treatment options for the eye, with the most extreme being the elimination of the eye. One of these options is plaque therapy, also called brachytherapy. This therapy involves

using a small gold cover filled with radioactive particles that are inserted into a plastic carrier. The plaque is surgically placed on the sclera, specifically at the base of the tumor while the patient is under general anesthesia.

Removing the plaque, which provides enough radiation to destroy it, effectively eliminates the tumor after about four days. This method of treatment is both safe and efficient, particularly for medium-sized tumors. The therapy utilizes radiation pellets covered in gold to protect surrounding tissues, including the brain, from exposure to radiation. Consequently, melanoma cells are disabled and the tumor gradually decreases in size.

Despite the risks of damaging the optic nerve or macula, therapy can be used to treat Ocular Melanoma. An alternative method, known as thermotherapy, utilizes heat and is most effective for small pigmented melanomas. It involves using a diode laser with high energy levels to destroy tumor cells. This procedure requires local anesthesia and consists of three treatments spaced three months apart. Nonetheless, thermotherapy is not the preferred option due to its drawbacks.

Thermotherapy is not effective for treating melanomas in the sclera and can cause vision loss due to high energy levels of heat. It is only suitable for small tumors, but may result in tumor recurrence after approximately three years. Patients with large ocular melanomas are at risk of developing metastasis after treatment or enucleation. If signs of metastasis are present, additional therapies like interferon therapy may be considered by melanoma patients. Enucleation, the removal of the entire eye, is performed when the eye cancer is too large for any other therapy.

The patient is put under general anesthesia and their eye is completely removed during the

procedure. It is then replaced with a silicone ball implant to restore volume. After the healing process, an artificial eye is fitted, but it only hides a normal eye and has limited movement.

To prevent ocular melanoma, the American Cancer Society recommends wearing sunglasses with UV protection when exposed to intense sunlight, even though there is no direct link between sun exposure and this type of cancer. Similarly, in welding situations, it is highly advised to wear protective glasses because prolonged radiation exposure may contribute to the development of melanomas.

In addition to these precautions, individuals are encouraged to schedule appointments with an ophthalmologist if they notice any changes in their vision or experience discomfort in their eyes.

Ensuring comprehensive treatment, it is crucial to have a doctor's check-up for early detection of diseases.