Uveal Melanomas Masquerading as Inflammatory Lesions.

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Oncology

Background:

• Uveal melanoma (UM) is the most common primary intraocular malignancy.
• While typically diagnosed by characteristic features, UM can present atypically, mimicking inflammatory or infectious processes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the diagnostic challenges posed by uveal melanoma presenting as an inflammatory mass.
• To emphasize the importance of considering UM in the differential diagnosis of intraocular inflammatory conditions.

Main Methods:

• Presentation of two clinical cases of uveal melanoma initially misdiagnosed as inflammatory or infectious processes.
• Review of diagnostic considerations for intraocular masses.

Main Results:

• Both patients presented with intraocular masses initially diagnosed as inflammatory or infectious conditions.
• Subsequent evaluation revealed the masses to be uveal melanoma.

Conclusions:

• Uveal melanoma should be included in the differential diagnosis for any intraocular inflammatory mass.
• Diagnostic tumor biopsy may be necessary for definitive diagnosis of challenging cases.