Tumors can grow within and behind the iris.
Though many iris tumors are cysts or nevi, malignant melanomas can occur in this area. It is important to have slit-lamp photographs of your iris tumor. These pictures can establish a baseline for future comparisons. High frequency ultrasound is the only way to see how deep an iris tumor extends within and through the iris. Ophthalmic oncologists use high frequency ultrasound to diagnose and follow iris tumors for evidence of growth.