How are intraocular melanoma tumors classified?

Honor Society of Nursing (STTI)

Tumors caused by intraocular melanoma are often classified by size. This system of classification is similar to staging, which is how other types of cancer are described. The size of the intraocular melanoma tumor is described according to diameter and thickness. The sizes generally used are as follows:

Small: diameter of at least 5 millimeters, thickness of 1 to 3 millimeters
Medium: diameter of less than 16 millimeters, thickness of 2 to 10 millimeters
Large: diameter of at least 16 millimeters, thickness of at least 10 millimeters
Diffuse: a flat tumor that covers a large portion of the uveal tract

Continue Learning about Eye Cancers

Honor Society of Nursing (STTI)

Eye cancer sometimes carries the risk of serious health problems. It can cause glaucoma or other for...

Honor Society of Nursing (STTI)

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Important: This content reflects information from various individuals and organizations and may offer alternative or opposing points of view. It should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. As always, you should consult with your healthcare provider about your specific health needs.

Eye Cancers

A rare disease, eye cancer is typically a secondary cancer that spread from other parts of the body. Primary intraocular cancers eye cancers that start in the eyeball are actually less common than secondary intraocular cancers. Eye cancer in general is uncommon in your lifetime, you have a 1 in 1,215 chance of being diagnosed with an eye cancer. Melanoma of the eye is the most common primary intraocular cancer in adults, caused when the cells that produce pigmentation grow abnormally. Children are most often affected by retinoblastoma, an eye cancer that begins in the back of our eye called the retina. While most risk factors for eye cancers are not fully understood, researchers believe that too much sun exposure may contribute to developing this cancer. Yearly eye exams may help catch the cancer early. See an ophthalmologist, a medical doctor who specializes in eye diseases, if you notice a dark spot on your iris, the colored part of your eye.

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