Late Apical Recurrence of Choroidal Melanoma 10 Years after Successful Treatment with Brachytherapy

To describe late apical relapse of a choroidal melanoma at the site of fine needle aspiration biopsy 10 years following successful treatment with ¹²⁵I brachytherapy.

Retrospective case report of a 78-year-old male presenting 10 years following successful ¹²⁵I brachytherapy for a choroidal melanoma with a medium-sized nodular amelanotic tumor recurrence at the site of the prior tumor biopsy.

Fundus photography and B-scan ultrasound documented the findings at presentation at our institution. The patient was followed closely for 8 weeks while information was retrieved from the treating institution. During this short period, there was significant apical tumor growth. Additionally, there was a clear clinical change compared to the last documented photos from 5 years prior at the treating institution. Enucleation was recommended. Pathological analysis confirmed the diagnosis of recurrent choroidal melanoma at the apex of the treated lesion, at the site of prior biopsy. Systemic surveillance was negative for metastatic disease.

Current literature suggests the majority of choroidal melanoma recurrences occur within 5 years following treatment. However, this case of recurrence 10 years after brachytherapy emphasizes the importance of life-long ophthalmic care for these patients. Additionally, this case demonstrates the possibility of a rare recurrence at a prior biopsy site.