Clinical Overview of Uveal Melanoma: Introduction to Tumors of the Eye

Melanoma of the uveal tract is the most common primary intraocular cancer in humans and accounts for about 12% of all melanomas [1]. Over 90% of uveal melanomas arise from the ciliary body and/or choroid and are referred to as posterior uveal melanomas; whereas about 5-8% of uveal melanomas arise in the iris [2]. Iris melanomas are generally much smaller, have a better prognosis, and are managed somewhat differently than posterior uveal melanomas.