Glossary and Resources
Common Terms
Ciliary melanoma A type of uveal melanoma that occurs in the ciliary body, a structure in the eye that helps control the lens and produces fluid inside the eye. Computed tomography (CT) scan A series of detailed images of the inside of the body taken from different angles. In ocular melanoma, CT is most often used to evaluate the liver or other organs for possible spread. Extension The melanoma has spread outside the eye by extending through the wall of the eye.
HLA status HLA status refers to a person’s specific human leukocyte antigen (HLA) type, which helps the immune system recognize cells in the body. In ocular melanoma, HLA status is most often used to determine eligibility for certain immunotherapies and clinical trials, particularly T-cell-based treatments that are designed to work only in people with specific HLA types. HLA status does not affect the diagnosis of ocular melanoma and does not change over time. Iris melanoma A type of uveal melanoma that occurs in the iris, the colored part of the front of the eye. Malignant A term often used in melanoma, meaning invasive, cancerous or capable of metastasis.
Adjuvant therapy Used after the primary treatment, such as surgery or radiation, to decrease the chance of the ocular melanoma returning or spreading. Biopsy The removal of cells or tissues for examination under a microscope. Bone scan An imaging test that uses a small amount of radioactive material to check for cancer in the bones. Rarely used in ocular melanoma unless symptoms or other findings suggest bone involvement. Choroidal melanoma A type of uveal melanoma that begins in the choroid, the layer of blood vessels beneath the retina that supplies oxygen and nutrients to the eye.
Fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB)
A procedure that uses a very thin needle to remove a small sample of tumor cells from the eye. The sample is tested to help determine the risk of the melanoma spreading.
26
Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator