Symptoms and diagnosis of uveal melanoma

Because it is rare, uveal melanoma is often difficult to diagnose. It develops insidiously, long before the first symptoms appear, usually caused by retinal detachment: reduced visual acuity, a patch in the visual field (scotoma), repetitive flashes in the same place in the same eye, and the presence of a benign pigmented lesion (nevus). Only an early fundus examination can guarantee a good prognosis. 
It is therefore essential to diagnose uveal melanoma as early as possible, in order to:
•    Access treatments that preserve vision as much as possible
•    Reduce the risk of relapse and metastasis, which can usually occur in the liver.

As a national expert center for the management of uveal melanoma, Institut Curie has set up the Mélachonat network with the support of seven regional centers, to standardize care throughout France, and to facilitate consultations and patient follow-up.