Malignant tumors of the iris

Question 1

Where is iris melanoma located?

Answer 1

Malignant tumor of the iris stroma.

Question 2

Signs of iris melanoma

Answer 2

Tan to brown, elevated lesion in the iris stroma and possibly extending into the ciliary body.
May be localized or diffuse.
Typically inferior, greater than 3mm in diameter and greater than 1mm thick.

May cause pupillary peaking and ectropion uveae.

Question 3

Difference in size between iris nevi and melanoma

Answer 3

Iris nevi: Typically inferior, less than 3mm wide and less than 1mm thick.

Iris melanoma: Typically inferior, greater than 3mm wide and greater than 1 mm thick.

Both may cause pupillary peaking and ectropion uveae.

Question 4

Complications of iris melanoma

Answer 4

Intraocular tissue and orbital extension.
5% develop metastasis
Hyphema- intralesional vessels may leak into AC
Glaucoma- tumor cells or liberated pigment may block TM.

Question 5

Management of iris melanoma.

How to treat small and larger tumors

Answer 5

Small- iridectoma

large- radiotherapy with radioactive plaque. Or enucleation for diffusely growing tumors

Question 6

Growth rate of iris melanoma

Answer 6

Grows slowly

Question 7

what is the most common/least common site of uveal melanoma?

Answer 7

Least common
Iris (5%)
Ciliary body (10%)
Choroid (85%)