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Updated: May 7, 2025

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Implantation and Evaluation of Melanoma in the Murine Choroid via Optical Coherence Tomography
Published on: December 2, 2022
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Malignant Transformation of a Choroidal Nevus
Luxi Li1, Qiongyue Zhang1, Peng Zhang1
1Department of Ophthalmology, Xi'an No. 3 Hospital, the Affiliated Hospital of Northwest University, Xi'an, CHN.
Cureus
|January 3, 2025
Summary
Choroidal nevus, a common benign eye tumor, can rarely transform into aggressive melanoma. This case highlights the importance of close monitoring and early intervention for suspected malignant transformation to preserve vision and manage this deadly cancer.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Oncology
Background:
- Choroidal nevus is the most common intraocular tumor, typically benign.
- A low risk exists for choroidal nevus to transform into malignant melanoma, a deadly cancer.
Observation:
- A patient presented with blurred vision and a choroidal lesion, initially diagnosed as nevus.
- Bevacizumab treatment showed temporary improvement, but the lesion progressed with increased subretinal fluid (SRF).
- Malignant transformation was suspected, leading to transpupillary thermotherapy (TTT).
Findings:
- Post-TTT, the choroidal melanoma showed necrosis, but the patient developed neovascular glaucoma.
- Histopathology confirmed diffuse melanoma infiltration of the eye and optic nerve.
- Despite aggressive multimodal treatment, the patient died from metastatic disease.
Implications:
- Close monitoring of choroidal nevus with multimodal imaging is crucial due to malignant transformation risk.
- Early intervention and long-term follow-up are essential for suspected malignant transformation to control disease and preserve vision.
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