[Orbital metastasis from cutaneous melanoma]

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Oncology
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Cutaneous melanoma can rarely metastasize to the orbit.
• Orbital metastases often indicate advanced disease.

Observation:

• A 70-year-old woman presented with unilateral proptosis and decreased vision.
• Imaging revealed an intraorbital mass consistent with metastasis.
• The patient had a history of melanoma and diffuse metastases.

Findings:

• Computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) characterized the orbital mass.
• Diagnosis was complicated by the patient's late presentation and widespread disease.

Implications:

• Cutaneous melanoma is an uncommon cause of orbital metastasis.
• Early detection and treatment are crucial for improving prognosis in melanoma patients.
• Orbital metastasis from melanoma carries a poor life expectancy, typically less than one year.