Malignant melanoma (mel-uh-NOME-uh) is a dangerous, fast-growing tumor. This cancer normally occurs on the skin, but can also affect the eye. Symptoms include a brown or black spot on the white of the eye, having two different colored irises, bad vision in one eye, and/or a red, painful eye.

If the tumor is at the back of the eye, however, sometimes no symptoms are noticed until the disease is quite advanced. If symptoms do occur, see an eye specialist immediately. If malignant melanoma is diagnosed, treatment can include radiation, chemotherapy, and surgery. As with all forms of cancer, early detection is essential.