Conditions

Ocular Melanoma

Ocular Melanoma's are extremely rare malignant tumours situated within the eyeball.

The aim of treatment in the case of these tumours is, in order of priority is to:

• Obtain control of local tumour growth
• Preserve the eyeball
• Preserve life
• Preserve vision

Conventional treatments include surgical excision of the eye, alternatively, fixation of a radioactive ruthenium plaque.  The limiting factor with ruthenium is the fact that the therapeutic radiation dose will not extend far beyond the base of the tumour. This can mean that difficulty is experienced with tumour control without producing retinal damage.