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Updated: Apr 21, 2026
Implantation and Evaluation of Melanoma in the Murine Choroid via Optical Coherence Tomography
Published on: December 2, 2022
Aggressive amelanotic choroidal melanoma with extrascleral extension after brachytherapy
Carolyn Chen1, Karim N Jamal, Robert Nick Hogan
1From the *Department of Ophthalmology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical School, Dallas, Texas; †Texas Retina Associates, Department of Ophthalmology, Presbyterian Hospital, Dallas, Texas.
Purpose:
The purpose of this study was to report a case of amelanotic choroidal melanoma, previously treated with brachytherapy, subsequently exhibiting local extension through pars plana vitrectomy sites.
Method:
The authors present a retrospective interventional case report from a clinical practice.
Results:
An amelanotic choroidal melanoma, previously responsive to brachytherapy, underwent two pars plana vitrectomies for nonclearing vitreous hemorrhage with double-freeze cryotherapy to sclerotomy sites. Recurrent melanoma extended through the sclerotomies presenting as subconjunctival nodules requiring exenteration.
Conclusion:
Vitrectomy sclerotomy sites may serve as a route of extrascleral extension in previous brachytherapy treatment-responsive choroidal melanomas. Caution should be exercised in performing vitrectomy for choroidal melanomas with subsequent vitreous hemorrhage.
