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Updated: Jul 17, 2026
05:46
Implantation and Evaluation of Melanoma in the Murine Choroid via Optical Coherence Tomography
Published on: December 2, 2022
Aggressive small choroidal melanoma presenting as a dense cataract.
Su-Chin Shen1, Chih-Hsun Yang, Hsin-Chong Lin
1Department of Ophthalmology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan.
Journal of Cataract and Refractive Surgery
|February 6, 2007
Summary
A small choroidal melanoma can aggressively spread, causing vision loss and complicated cataracts. This case highlights the potential for diffuse seeding in the eye, even with small tumors.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Oncology
Background:
- Choroidal melanoma is a rare intraocular malignancy.
- Aggressive subtypes can lead to significant vision impairment.
Observation:
- A 58-year-old woman presented with blurred vision and a dense cataract.
- During surgery, heavily pigmented vitreous was noted.
- Biopsy showed pigmented epithelioid cells, but malignancy was not initially definitive.
Findings:
- A small (2.5 mm x 2.5 mm x 1.5 mm) epithelioid-type choroidal melanoma was confirmed post-enucleation.
- The tumor exhibited diffuse preretinal seeding and vitreous infiltration.
- Tumor cells spread forward into the lens capsule and trabecular meshwork, causing a complicated cataract.
Implications:
- Even small choroidal melanomas can have aggressive invasive potential.
- Vitreous seeding and anterior segment invasion can complicate cataract surgery.
- Early detection and understanding of tumor behavior are crucial for managing choroidal melanoma.
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