Living With OM
Introduction
Ocular melanoma is a lethal disease but many patients go on post-diagnosis to live long and healthy lives. Two commonalities among all of these patients who "buck the trend" of the often discouraging statistics are (i) being a proactive self-advocate and (2) living a healthy lifestyle which can involve a combination of de-stressing, excercise and diet changes.
OMF encourages anyone dealing with OM to take charge of their own treatment and be proactive in scheduling regular follow-ups with their ophtalmologist and oncologist. Knowledge is power.
OMF encourages anyone dealing with OM to take charge of their own treatment and be proactive in scheduling regular follow-ups with their ophtalmologist and oncologist. Knowledge is power.
Metastatic Disease
Metastatic melanoma (also known as stage IV) is a general term for the spreading of cancer beyond its original site. The liver is the most common site of metastasis in ocular melanoma. Among those who develop metstatic disease, 90% of patients develop liver disease. However, ocular melanoma can spread to any organ in the body. After the liver, common sites include the lung, bones and brain. Even though the cancer cells have spread to other parts of the body, since the cells remain melanoma cells, this cancer is called metastatic melanoma.
Approximately 50% of ocular melanoma patients will develop metastatic disease within 15 years of the original diagnosis, and once the liver is involved, the cancer is currently incurable.
However, if metastatic disease is found early there are a few localized and systemic treatment options that may extend life expectancy and help improve quality of life for patients.
Approximately 50% of ocular melanoma patients will develop metastatic disease within 15 years of the original diagnosis, and once the liver is involved, the cancer is currently incurable.
However, if metastatic disease is found early there are a few localized and systemic treatment options that may extend life expectancy and help improve quality of life for patients.
Surveillance
Currently, there is no consensus regarding type or frequency of scans following diagnosis and treatment of the primary eye tumor. It is important to speak with your doctors to decide what is right for you.
Because, of the 50% of patients who develop metastatic disease, more than 90% of patients will develop liver metastases, the majority of surveillance techniques are focused on the liver.
These liver focused surveillance techniques include:
- Abdominal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
- Abdominal ultrasound
- Liver function tests
The scientific community is currently working to develop guidelines, but until then, each patient must take into consideration their individual clinical situation and discuss appropriate surveillance with their doctors.
Because, of the 50% of patients who develop metastatic disease, more than 90% of patients will develop liver metastases, the majority of surveillance techniques are focused on the liver.
These liver focused surveillance techniques include:
- Abdominal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
- Abdominal ultrasound
- Liver function tests
The scientific community is currently working to develop guidelines, but until then, each patient must take into consideration their individual clinical situation and discuss appropriate surveillance with their doctors.