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Sequential development of bilateral primary choroidal melanoma
1Department of Ophthalmology, Hacettepe University School of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey. hayyamk@turnet.net.tr
Purpose:
A case of a woman who had bilateral choroidal melanoma diagnosed sequentially 20 months apart and managed conservatively is described.
Methods:
The first eye having a juxtapapillary melanoma was treated with a notched episcleral radioactive plaque. The second eye, initially containing a small nevus with unequivocal rapid growth, was managed with diode laser transpupillary thermotherapy.
Results:
Both tumors regressed considerably following treatment and the patient retained good visual acuity in both eyes. No other malignancies or metastasis were detected during the follow-up period.
Conclusions:
A small choroidal nevus rapidly grew after treating a choroidal melanoma in the fellow eye. Close follow-up of such patients is mandatory. Also, conservative treatment should be opted whenever possible given the unpredictable course of the opposite melanocytic lesion.