Risk of Metastasis
One aspect that contributes to the deadliness of melanomas is the risk
of metastasis. Metastasis is the migration of cancerous cells through
the bloodstream, which leads to the development of tumors elsewhere in
the body. These tumors can cause tissue damage and other widespread
effects which accelerate the death of the cancer patient. In the case
uveal melanoma, the liver is the most common organ affected by
metastasis, which occurs in 80% of cases [4]. Although regular
metastasis can be detected, undetectable micrometastases may occur, in
which a small collection of cancerous cells spread to other parts of the
body via the lymphovascular system. Micrometastasis is a significant
risk to all UM patients, which is why the patient should receive
immediate treatment after diagnosis.