Malignant melanoma of the eye

Abstract

From the time they begin training, most ophthalmologists are taught and believe that any pigmented lesion about the eye or its adnexa, including the conjunctiva and the skin of the lids, is suspect and should be observed frequently. Although these lesions may represent nevi, melanocytomas or other benign pigment disturbances, the ophthalmologist is all too aware of the potential malignancy of these lesions and their consequences. Exactly what mechanisms cause the alteration of normal pigment-producing cells to become malignant is poorly understood at best, and what causes some normal cells to become more malignant in their activity than others is suspect. Furth [1], in 1961, outlined the possible etiologic factors as being: A) genetic factors, B) hormones and C) carcinogens, agents that initiate modifications of nucleic acid causing loss of proper response to homeostatic regulators. Many investigators believe that viruses may be among the most potent of the carcinogens.