[Clinical analysis of tumors of the iris and ciliary body]

To evaluate the clinical features, different diagnosis, pathological features, management, and prognosis of tumors of the iris and ciliary body.

Medical records, photographs, pathological findings and the results of follow-up of 37 cases with tumors of the iris and ciliary body were reviewed as a retrospective study.

Of the 37 cases with tumors of the iris and ciliary body, 26 were male and 11 were female. The mean age at diagnosis was 38 years, ranged from 5 - 64 years. According to the histopathological examination, melanoma was the most common tumor in the iris and ciliary body (15 cases, 40.5%), followed by metastatic tumors (8 cases, 21.6%), teratoid medulloepitheliomas (3 cases, 8.1%) and iris nevus (2 cases, 5.4%).

The tumors were excised in 14 cases. Enucleation was performed in 21 cases. Two cases were observed without any surgical treatment. Thirty-four cases were followed-up for 2 months to 15 years, averaged 31 months. Most melanomas of the iris and ciliary body are round or semi-spherical dark brown vascularized mass, with engorged episcleral sentinel vessels in some cases. The tumor showed a shadow during transillumination. Ultrasound biomicroscopy revealed a low to medium echoic solid lesion, with echoic changes in adjacent infiltrated tissues. Melanoma showed positive immunoreactivity for melanoma-specific antigen, and had a good prognosis. Metastatic tumors of the iris and ciliary body were flat or near round, dirty, single or multiple neoplasms, growth rapidly, with abundant neovascularization, and had a poor prognosis. Primary carcinomas could be found in other parts of the body.

Melanoma of the iris and ciliary body has typical features that may help to distinguish them from other tumors. Metastatic tumor has characteristic features, but the diagnosis can be made only with supplementary examination and immunocytochemical studies. Medulloepitheliomas should be differentiated from retinoblastoma.