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Uveal melanoma can lead to serious, life-threatening metastasis (spread of the tumor). Overall, 20% of patients develop melanoma metastasis but it may be more or less than 20% depending on the other factors. It is believed that metastasis usually occurs many months or years before the melanoma causes symptoms or is treated. Fortunately, most patients do not develop metastasis. Several factors predict who is at risk for metastasis and these include: tumor location in the ciliary body, tumor size greater than 15 mm, and tumor cell type epithelioid as well as others.
Our oncology team is a strong advocate of early treatment of uveal melanoma when the tumor is small to prevent metastatic spread. Several published studies have shown that plaque radiotherapy and local resection are as effective as enucleation in the prevention
of metastasis.
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Suggested monitoring of uveal melanoma metastasis by a medical doctor or oncologist include:
• Physical examination twice yearly
• Liver function tests twice yearly
• Chest x-ray once yearly
• Liver scan (MRI, CT, or ultrasound)
once yearly
• Other suggested tests
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