What should you know about conjunctival melanoma symptoms?

A conjunctival melanoma can look like a brown, black, grey or uneven patch, a raised nodule, or a lesion with prominent blood vessels. It may enlarge, change colour, bleed or extend toward the cornea or eyelid. Irritation, redness, a gritty feeling or blurred vision can occur, but these symptoms also have many non-cancer causes.

A symptom does not establish the diagnosis. Most eye-surface marks are not melanoma, and an apparently mild lesion can still deserve review if it changes. Examination with magnification lets an ophthalmologist assess the surface and decide whether monitoring or tissue sampling is appropriate.

Arrange an eye appointment for a new, enlarging or recurrent pigmented spot. Record when you first noticed it, whether it is changing, and any effect on sight. Do not use leftover eye drops or attempt to remove the lesion yourself.

If melanoma is suspected or confirmed, care may include excisional surgery, other skin cancer surgery, staging tests or immunotherapy. The team may also discuss sentinel lymph node biopsy. More information is available in Melanoma and Follow-Up After Cancer Treatment.

Seek prompt assessment for growth, bleeding, persistent redness, a visible lump, new double vision or worsening sight. Go to emergency care for sudden vision loss, severe pain, marked swelling or an eye injury.

Ask whether the lesion’s appearance is concerning, how it will be measured, whether photographs should be repeated, when biopsy is appropriate, and which changes should lead you to contact the clinic sooner.