What should you know about conjunctival malignant melanoma?

The conjunctiva is the thin, transparent membrane over the white part of the eye and inside the eyelids. Melanoma begins in pigment-producing cells and may look like a dark, raised or changing patch. Some lesions have little pigment, so appearance alone cannot confirm or exclude cancer.

An ophthalmologist examines the lesion closely and may map its position, size and relationship to nearby eye structures. A biopsy or removal provides tissue for a pathologist. Assessment may also consider lymph nodes and whether disease has spread elsewhere, including the possibility of brain metastases.

Arrange prompt review with an ophthalmologist experienced in eye tumours if a pigmented area is new, enlarging, bleeding or returning after removal. Bring photographs showing when the change began and a list of eye medicines.

Treatment is tailored to the lesion. It can involve careful surgical excision, treatment of the surrounding surface, or other cancer therapy. A specialist may discuss sentinel lymph node biopsy when staging information could guide care. Read about Melanoma, Surgical Excision and Follow-Up After Cancer Treatment.

Seek urgent eye assessment for a rapidly changing mass, new bleeding, marked pain, sudden vision change, or difficulty moving the eye. These signs do not diagnose melanoma, but they should not wait for a routine appointment.

Ask where the lesion is located, whether it needs biopsy, how the procedure may affect the eye surface, what staging tests are appropriate, and how follow-up will monitor the eye and nearby lymph nodes.