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Malignant melanoma of the optic nerve
P De Potter1, C L Shields, R C Eagle
1Ocular Oncology Service, Wills Eye Hospital, Philadelphia, Pa., USA.
Archives of Ophthalmology (Chicago, Ill. : 1960)
|May 1, 1996
Summary
A melanocytoma of the optic disc transformed into malignant melanoma, causing sudden vision loss. Differentiating these optic nerve tumors is challenging.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Oncology
- Pathology
Background:
- Melanocytomas of the optic disc are typically benign tumors.
- Malignant transformation is rare but can lead to significant visual impairment.
Observation:
- A 67-year-old man presented with a stable optic disc melanocytoma.
- At age 72, he experienced abrupt vision loss in the affected eye.
- Imaging revealed optic nerve infiltration and a hyperintense lesion.
Findings:
- Histopathology confirmed a malignant melanoma confined to the optic nerve, with necrosis.
- No choroidal involvement or residual melanocytoma cells were found.
- The lesion infiltrated a 22.5-mm segment of the optic nerve.
Implications:
- This case highlights the difficulty in distinguishing optic disc melanocytoma from primary malignant melanoma.
- Early detection and accurate diagnosis are crucial for managing optic nerve tumors.
- Further research may be needed to identify biomarkers for malignant transformation.