Black's question about Malignant Melanoma

Question

My cat has had a brown mass in his left eye for a few years. He's been checked out by a vet numerous times but none have commented on it. It was never a concern to me until last year I was interested in finding out why he had this brown mass in his eye while my other cat did not have that. After doing my research I started to panic a bit. My cat is a 5 year old black male cat and he is very healthy/happy. Since I have not tracked the growth of this when it began, I can't tell just how worse it has gotten or when it even began. All I do know is that it is not growing rapidly. It's been a year since I started paying attention to it I can't say with any certainty it's gotten bigger. Aside from the brown mass, there are other tiny brown spots that look like they are forming. The only real change I can see is the darkening of these spots or "merging" together. All the brown masses look flat. His pupils have no problem dilating. He seems to have perfect vision. Should I be really worried like I am? I am so scared it will get worse.

Accepted Answer

You should have the mass checked again by your Veterinarian especially if there are changes to either size, shape or colour; without examining Tito I cannot start to say whether you should be concerned or not, but the growth of the mass is generally concerning and may result in other issues. Whilst the mass may not affect vision now, it may start to obstruct eyesight or even get damaged from scratching or other injuries. Your Veterinarian may examine the mass and take a fine needle aspiration, biopsy or just remove the mass and send for histopathology. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM

Malignant Melanoma in Cats