The number one risk factor for the ocular melanoma metastasizing to the liver is the size of the tumor at the time of diagnosis. The larger the size of the ocular melanoma, the higher the risk of metastasis. Early detection and early treatment are imperative to reduce this risk. The second risk factor is the molecular biology of the ocular melanoma that we can obtain from a tumor biopsy. We can test for a series of markers that can tell us if the melanoma has a low risk of metastasizing, or has a high risk of metastaizing. These markers can potentially include the following: monosomy 3, Class 1/2, BAP1 mutation, PRAME, SF3B1 and EIFAX. However, collecting tissue by biopsy has its own limitations - in order for the tests to be accurate, actual ocular melanoma tumor tissue must be sampled, and enough tissue must be submitted for the tests. Some ocular oncologists choose to assign a specific percentage risk of metastasis and death based on all the objective parameters available - tumor size, gender, test results. It is important to keep in mind that in medicine, we are highly inaccurate at predicting metastasis and death on a timeline. Enjoy this episode! Welcome to Finding Your Way with Ocular Melanoma, a guide to understanding everything there is to know about your experience with this rare cancer. Learn through the lens of my knowledge and clinical experience as a physician expert and passionate patient advocate. The more you know about ocular melanoma, the better you will do, and the better you will live. Let's go! The content shared on the Finding Your Way with Ocular Melanoma podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The information provided must not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. As a listener, you are responsible for your own health-related decisions and must consider consulting with a healthcare professional for personalized medical advice.  Tara McCannel MD PhD is a an ocular oncologist, vitreoretinal surgeon and co-founder of Seyhart Wellness. She is also the host of the Mind Body MD podcast where she shares her passion for holistic health and wellness.

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