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Implantation and Evaluation of Melanoma in the Murine Choroid via Optical Coherence Tomography
Published on: December 2, 2022
Large choroidal melanoma diagnosed after cataract surgery
Martin M Nentwich1, Marc J Mackert, Christoph Hintschich
1Department of Ophthalmology, Klinikum der Universität München, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Campus Innenstadt, Mathildenstrasse 8, Munich, Germany. martin.nentwich@med.uni-muenchen.de
International Ophthalmology
|May 22, 2012
Summary
Dense cataracts can mask serious eye conditions like choroidal melanoma, delaying diagnosis. Thorough preoperative evaluation and imaging are crucial for detecting hidden intraocular pathology before eye surgery.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Dense cataracts can impede comprehensive fundus examinations.
- This visual obstruction may lead to the delayed diagnosis of underlying intraocular pathologies before cataract surgery.
Observation:
- Two cases are presented where large choroidal melanomas were diagnosed post-cataract surgery and/or Nd:YAG laser capsulotomy.
- Case 1: An 84-year-old female with a dense cataract; a choroidal lesion initially diagnosed as postoperative choroidal detachment was later confirmed as choroidal melanoma with extrascleral growth.
- Case 2: A 58-year-old female diagnosed with a mushroom-shaped choroidal melanoma and serous retinal detachment after Nd:YAG laser treatment.
Findings:
- Choroidal melanomas were detected after cataract surgery and Nd:YAG laser treatment due to initial inability to examine the fundus.
- Delayed diagnosis occurred because the dense cataract obscured the view of the posterior segment.
Implications:
- Preoperative evaluation of the posterior segment is essential before cataract surgery or other interventions.
- In cases of dense cataracts, supplementary imaging like ultrasound sonography is recommended to rule out intraocular lesions and assess the optic disc.
