When The Cancer in the Eye is Not Ocular Melanoma

The most common intraocular cancer of adults is actually NOT ocular melanoma. The most common intraocular malignant tumor to be found in the eye is a metastatic tumor that came from a different primary cancer, such as breast, lung or colon cancer. Metastasis is the term used when cancer has spread outside of the organ where it began. Therefore, we call this type of an eye cancer, a "metastatic tumor" or "secondary uveal malignancy" or "metastatic eye cancer". The individual - whether they know it or not - has another diagnosis of cancer, and this cancer has spread secondarily to the eye and perhaps other places. Sometimes, it is the discovery of the cancer in the eye that is the first sign of a metastatic cancer.  The treatment of a metastatic cancer is usually very different from the treatment of a primary ocular melanoma, because it involves figuring out and treating the primary cancer, and usually the whole body, not just the cancer found in the eye.  For Tara McCannel's resources (including webinar links), visit my website: https://seyhart.com/ocularmelanoma Welcome to Finding Your Way with Ocular Melanoma, a guide to understanding everything there is to know about your experience with this rare cancer. Learn through the lens of my knowledge and clinical experience as a physician expert and passionate patient advocate. The more you know about ocular melanoma, the better you will do, and the better you will live. Let's go! The content shared on the Finding Your Way with Ocular Melanoma podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The information provided must not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. As a listener, you are responsible for your own health-related decisions and must consider consulting with a healthcare professional for personalized medical advice.  Tara McCannel MD PhD is a an ocular oncologist, vitreoretinal surgeon and co-founder of Seyhart Wellness. She is also the host of the Mind Body MD podcast where she shares her passion for holistic health and wellness.