What should you know about malignant melanoma of conjunctiva?

Malignant melanoma of the conjunctiva is a rare cancer of the thin membrane covering the white of the eye and inner eyelids. It can appear as a new or changing pigmented patch, nodule or area of irritation. A specialist eye examination is needed because harmless pigmentation and other lesions can look similar.

Diagnosis usually involves examining the eye with magnification and, when appropriate, removing or sampling tissue for laboratory review. The report helps describe cell type, depth, margins and other features that guide staging. Doctors may also check nearby lymph nodes or order imaging when the findings suggest spread beyond the eye surface. This condition belongs to the wider melanoma family.

Treatment is individualised. Surgical excision may remove the visible lesion while protecting as much healthy eye tissue as possible. Additional local treatment or medicines may be discussed when disease is extensive, returns, or has reached other sites.

Arrange an appointment with an ophthalmologist experienced in ocular tumours or a multidisciplinary cancer team. Bring prior eye photographs, biopsy reports and a list of medicines. Do not rub, scratch or try to remove a visible lesion. Ask how the lesion will be mapped, whether a biopsy is needed, and how the eye surface and vision will be protected during treatment.

Follow-up matters even after treatment. Examinations can look for local recurrence, changes in the other eye and signs that require further investigation.

Seek prompt medical assessment for a new dark spot on the eye surface, a patch that enlarges or changes colour, a raised area, persistent redness, bleeding, discomfort or a change in vision. Urgent care is appropriate for sudden vision loss, severe eye pain, marked swelling or an eye injury. These warning signs do not confirm melanoma, but delay can make assessment harder.

Ask whether the appearance is confined to the conjunctiva, what the pathology report shows, whether lymph-node assessment or imaging is needed, which treatment protects vision, and how often examinations will be scheduled.