Disparities in Uveal Melanoma: Patient Characteristics

ABSTRACT

Uveal melanoma is the most common intraocular malignancy in adults. Despite excellent rates of local control, half of all patients with uveal melanoma ultimately go on to develop fatal metastatic disease. This review focuses on disparities and differences in the underlying characteristics of the patients, and how these patient characteristics impact the development of metastasis and subsequent patient survival. Specifically, we detail disparities in epidemiology and risk factors as they relate to the development of primary uveal melanoma, to the development of metastasis, and to patient survival following metastasis.

Keywords:

• Disparities
• epidemiology
• metastasis
• ocular tumors
• ophthalmology
• prognosis
• risk factors
• survival
• uveal melanoma

DECLARATION OF INTEREST

The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of this article.