Look into my eyes: melanoma risk can be found in the iris

Researchers from The University of Queensland have found that freckles and moles appearing on the iris indicate a high risk of melanoma — particularly in people under 40 years of age.

According to Associate Professor Rick Sturm, from UQ’s Dermatology Research Centre, the presence of pigmented lesions is an effective predictor of the risk of melanoma that complements traditional factors. His comments follow a study involving 1117 participants of European background living in South-East Queensland, the results of which were published in the British Journal of Dermatology.

“The presence of iris freckling and naevi (moles) provides additional information about an individual’s melanoma risk over and above factors like blue eyes, red hair, fair skin and the number of moles on the skin,” said Dr Sturm, corresponding author on the study.

“We found the presence of three or more iris pigmented lesions was associated with a 45% increased risk of melanoma.”

Dr Antonia Laino, a co-author on the study, added, “This association was particularly strong in people under 40, suggesting a genetic susceptibility.

“It also suggests the potential use of these lesions as a marker for melanoma risk in younger patients (1.8 times more at risk).”

Dr Laino noted that melanoma is the most common cancer in Australians aged 15 to 39 and, despite advances in treatment, long-term prognosis remains poor. Therefore, early detection is key in reducing the burden of the disease.

“It’s very easy to look for iris pigmented lesions, and we hope that these findings will help doctors identify those people who may be at increased risk of melanoma and need a skin check,” she said.

“These lesions should be used as markers for melanoma risk in younger patients.”