How common is uveal melanoma?

Although it is a relatively rare disease, primarily found in the Caucasian population, uveal melanoma is the most common primary intraocular tumor in adults with a mean age-adjusted incidence of 5.1 cases per million per year.

How fast does ocular melanoma spread?

Approximately 50% of patients with OM will develop metastases by 10 to 15 years after diagnosis (a small percentage of people will develop metastases even later i.e. 20-25 years after their initial diagnosis).

What are the chances of ocular melanoma spreading?

Some estimates suggest that in 40-50% of individuals, an ocular melanoma will metastasize. Based on the aggressiveness of the particular tumor, as defined by clinical and genetic features, metastasis may be detected as early as 2-3 after diagnosis and rarely as late as decades after treatment.

How many people die each year from uveal melanoma?

The number of people diagnosed with uveal melanoma has remained constant for that past few decades. However, conjunctival melanoma has increased during this time. It is estimated that 370 deaths (200 men and 170 women) from primary intraocular cancer will occur this year.

What are the statistics on melanoma of the skin?

Cancer Stat Facts: Melanoma of the Skin. Number of New Cases and Deaths per 100,000: The number of new cases of melanoma of the skin was 22.8 per 100,000 men and women per year. The number of deaths was 2.6 per 100,000 men and women per year. These rates are age-adjusted and based on 2011-2015 cases and deaths.

What is the survival rate for melanoma in the eye?

When melanoma does not spread outside the eye, the 5-year relative survival rate is about 85%. The 5-year survival rate for those with disease that has spread to surrounding tissues or organs and/or the regional lymph nodes is 71%. If the melanoma has spread to distant parts of the body, the 5-year relative survival rate is 13%.

How are cutaneous, mucosal, and uveal melanoma classified?

The 2018 World Health Organization Classification of Cutaneous, Mucosal, and Uveal Melanoma: Detailed Analysis of 9 Distinct Subtypes Defined by Their Evolutionary Pathway Melanomas were divided into those etiologically related to sun exposure and those that are not, as determined by their mutational signatures, anatomic site, and epidemiology.