cataracts/eye melanoma

[Hank2562]

I got diagnosed in Febuary of this year with a cataract, my optomitrist refered me to a specialist, and when I went to see him in November, there was a tumor within my eye, and subsequent retnal tearing.  He booked me in for immediate surgery as he said it was eye melanoma.  My surgery is in about 2 weeks.  My question is;  would my untreated cataract for at least 1 year cause, or attribute to me getting eye melanoma?  I will await your reply

[Ray T Oyakawa, MD]

A melanoma does not grow in one year.  You probably had multiple exam related to the the eye injury and retinal detachment and the melanoma was not see at these exams.  This may be pigment changes related to retinal detachment or injury rather than a melanoma.

Dr. O.

[Hank2562]

Thanks for the reply.....At this point I am not sure, I have to go to a major center, and see an octomologist.  I think it is in the lower portion of the eye.  It is just that the spot or mole was not there when I initially got my eyes checked earlier this year.  I have had serious complications with my eye because of an injury over 10 years ago.  Retnal detachments, I have a buckle to hold my retina in place.  my pupil is also paralized.  Now I have a cataract, diagnosed melanoma.  Is any of this latest complications from my injury???  I think the my hae to remoce my eye.....Please give me some insight

[Ray T Oyakawa, MD]

It is unrelated.  Where is the melanoma in the eye? What type of surgery is planned?

Dr. O.