Melanoma eye cancer symptoms: what to notice

Ocular melanoma may present with blurred or distorted vision, new floaters, flashes of light, a shadow or missing area in the visual field, or a visible dark spot on the iris. A tumour inside the eye may not be visible in a mirror. Melanoma of the eyelid or nearby skin can look like a mole or freckle that changes in colour, shape or size, develops irregular edges, bleeds or fails to heal. These findings are not specific to melanoma, and many have other explanations.

A symptom does not establish the diagnosis. An eye examination, close inspection of the skin and, when needed, imaging or tissue testing help identify the cause.

Arrange an assessment with an optometrist, ophthalmologist, dermatologist or doctor, depending on whether the change is in vision, the eye surface or nearby skin. Record when it began and whether it is changing. Bring a list of medicines and mention previous melanoma or other skin cancers. Do not scratch, remove or apply home treatments to a suspicious mark. The clinician may examine the eye with magnification, photograph a lesion, or arrange further tests.

Seek urgent care for sudden vision loss, a curtain-like shadow, severe eye pain, a sudden shower of floaters or flashes, or vision change with weakness, confusion or a severe headache. Contact a clinician promptly for a pigmented mark that is enlarging, changing, bleeding or ulcerating. Fast assessment matters because some eye and neurological problems require immediate treatment, whether or not cancer is involved.

Is the change in the eye, eyelid skin or nearby skin? What examination has been done, and do I need imaging? Could my medicines or another eye condition explain it? What changes should I photograph or report? When should I return for review?