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Implantation and Evaluation of Melanoma in the Murine Choroid via Optical Coherence Tomography
Published on: December 2, 2022
Multicavitary ciliary body melanoma presenting as a cyst
Jennifer Jang1, Swathi Kaliki, Ralph C Eagle
1Ocular Oncology Service, Wills Eye Institute, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
Oman Journal of Ophthalmology
|June 18, 2013
Summary
Cyst-like cavities in uveal melanoma are rare and can mimic benign cysts, delaying diagnosis. Ultrasound biomicroscopy aids in distinguishing these cavitary melanomas from benign lesions.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Oncology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Uveal melanoma, a rare eye cancer, can present with unusual features.
- Cyst-like cavities within uveal melanoma are uncommon and may be misdiagnosed as benign intraocular cysts.
- Accurate diagnosis is crucial for appropriate patient management and prognosis.
Observation:
- A 66-year-old female presented with a ciliary body mass exhibiting "cystic" features.
- Slit lamp examination revealed iris bulging, and transillumination showed a tumor shadow.
- Ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM) demonstrated multiple cyst-like cavities with thick walls (≥200 μm) within the tumor.
Findings:
- Histopathology confirmed a low-grade spindle melanoma of the ciliary body.
- The tumor contained multiple empty and fluid-filled cyst-like cavities lacking epithelial lining.
- UBM successfully differentiated the thick-walled cavitary melanoma from thin-walled benign cysts.
Implications:
- This case highlights the importance of considering cavitary melanoma in the differential diagnosis of intraocular cystic lesions.
- Ultrasound biomicroscopy is a valuable tool for characterizing ciliary body tumors and distinguishing malignant from benign conditions.
- Early and accurate diagnosis of uveal melanoma, even with atypical presentations, can lead to timely and effective treatment.
