Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 6, 2026

05:46
Implantation and Evaluation of Melanoma in the Murine Choroid via Optical Coherence Tomography
Published on: December 2, 2022
[Cavitary choroidal melanoma in a child]
H Faraj1, C Levy-Gabriel, L Lumbroso-Le Rouic
1Service d' Ophtalmologie, Institut Curie, Paris, France.
Journal Francais D'Ophtalmologie
|August 4, 2006
Summary
Cavitary melanoma, a rare form of uveal melanoma, can mimic benign cysts. This case highlights imaging and pathology for diagnosing this rare pediatric eye cancer.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Oncology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Uveal melanoma is a rare ocular malignancy, exceptionally uncommon in pediatric patients.
- Intralesional cavities can develop within uveal melanoma, potentially mimicking benign intraocular cysts.
- Differentiating cavitary melanoma from cysts relies on identifying a solid base and thick cavity walls.
Observation:
- A 5-year-old girl presented with a large, pigmented intraocular mass in her left eye.
- Ocular ultrasonography, CT scan, and MRI revealed multiple hollow cavities within the mass.
- The clinical presentation suggested a potential diagnosis of cavitary melanoma.
Findings:
- The patient underwent enucleation for the intraocular mass.
- Pathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of choroidal melanoma.
- Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) analysis showed no chromosomal 3 aberrations.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of advanced imaging in diagnosing rare pediatric uveal melanomas.
- Accurate differentiation between cavitary melanoma and benign cysts is crucial for appropriate management.
- Understanding the imaging characteristics of cavitary melanoma aids in early detection and treatment planning.
Related Concept Videos
Skin Cancer
Skin cancer is a type of cancer that occurs when there is an abnormal growth of skin cells, usually triggered by damage to the DNA within the skin cells. It is primarily caused by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or artificial sources like tanning beds. Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer worldwide, and its incidence continues to rise.
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): BCC is the most common type of skin cancer, accounting for about 80% of cases. It typically develops in...
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): BCC is the most common type of skin cancer, accounting for about 80% of cases. It typically develops in...
The Retinoblastoma Gene
Tumor suppressor genes are normal genes that can slow down cell division, repair DNA mistakes, or program the cells for apoptosis in case of irreparable damage. Hence, they play an essential role in preventing the proliferation of damaged cells.
The first-ever tumor suppressor gene called Rb was identified in retinoblastoma - a rare eye tumor in children. In inherited forms of the disease, a child inherits one defective copy of the Rb gene, which predisposes them to retinoblastoma. However,...
The first-ever tumor suppressor gene called Rb was identified in retinoblastoma - a rare eye tumor in children. In inherited forms of the disease, a child inherits one defective copy of the Rb gene, which predisposes them to retinoblastoma. However,...
