[Melanoma of choroid during pregnancy: case report]

To estimate the influence of pregnancy on the development and treatment of choroidal melanoma.

8 pregnant women in the age of 20 to 35 years were observed. Various methods of treatment were applied: enucleation of the eye, photocoagulation and brachytherapy. 6 women delivered healthy babies, in 1 case an abortion happened and the child died, in 1 case therapeutic abortion was performed. The time of observation was 4 to 11 years, (average 6.8 year).

The majority of patients visited the ophthalmologist for the first time during pregnancy or just after delivery, because they noticed impairment of vision in the eye with tumor. One can suppose, that during pregnancy the tumors growth is fast. Regression of the tumor after treatment was observed in 4 cases. In 4 women the eye was enucleated. 7 women are still alive. Only in one case metastases to the liver and the lungs occurred and the patient died. Considering the lack of estrogen and progesterone receptors in melanoma, this can be explained by the decreased immunity of the pregnant women organisms. Our observations do not reveal any negative influence upon pregnancy as the results of the treatment. Photocoagulation of the tumor can be performed safely during the first months of pregnancy. It seems, that brachytherapy is safer towards the end of pregnancy or after delivery.