Contributor: Gordon K. Klintworth
A ciliary body melanoma is a uveal melanoma [melanoma - uvea] that arises in the ciliary body. It is a  malignant neoplasm that arises from melanocytes or their precursors. It can be subdivided into the same types as other uveal melanomas. A melanoma of the ciliary body may be localized to the ciliary body, but the tumor often extends into the adjacent choroid,  iris and anterior chamber angle. When the latter occurs it can produce a secondary closed angle glaucoma [glaucoma - secondary closed angle]. Growth towards the lens can cause a unilateral cataract. When the tumor involves the iris it may extend circumferentially around the globe and produce a ring melanoma. A choroidal detachment [detachment - choroid] can produce the clinical appearance of a ring melanoma.