Clinical, Histopathological and Cytogenetic Prognosticators in Uveal Melanoma - A Comprehensive Review

Abstract

Uveal melanoma is the most prevalent primary intraocular cancer in adults. Although it accounts for only 5% of all melanomas, it is responsible for 13% of deaths due to this type of cancer. A wide variety of therapeutic options of primary tumor is available and progress in its management is noticeable. The fact still remains, however, that almost half of patients develop metastases which may be due to practically undetectable cancer spread present as early as at diagnosis of the primary focus. Metastatic disease is uniformly fatal despite systemic therapy. Prediction of metastasis is crucial for prognosis. It also allows targeting of emerging new therapeutic methods to the appropriate group of patients. The Authors reviewed literature concerning epidemiology and etiopathogenesis of uveal melanoma, and its clinical, histopathological and cytogenetic prognosticators.

Keywords: Uveal melanoma; malignant melanoma; metastases; prognosis; prognostic factors; review.