Related Experiment Videos
Diffuse choroidal melanoma. Clinical features predictive of metastasis
C L Shields1, J A Shields, P De Potter
1Ocular Oncology Service, Wills Eye Hospital, Philadelphia, Pa, USA.
Archives of Ophthalmology (Chicago, Ill. : 1960)
|August 1, 1996
Summary
Diffuse choroidal melanoma has a significant metastatic potential, with 24% of patients developing metastasis within 5 years. Larger tumor base and poorly defined margins are key predictors of metastasis in this rare melanoma.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Oncology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Diffuse choroidal melanoma is a rare variant of choroidal melanoma.
- Understanding its clinical features is crucial for predicting metastasis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify clinical features that predict metastasis in diffuse choroidal melanoma.
- To assess the metastatic potential of diffuse choroidal melanoma.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of patients diagnosed with diffuse choroidal melanoma.
- Analysis of clinical features including tumor base, thickness, margins, and optic nerve invasion.
- Kaplan-Meier survival estimates to determine metastasis probability over time.
Main Results:
- Diffuse choroidal melanoma occurred in 3% of choroidal melanoma cases (111 patients).
- Metastasis developed in 26% of patients over a mean follow-up of 5.3 years.
- Predictive factors for metastasis included tumor base ≥18 mm, poorly defined margins, optic nerve invasion, and transcleral extension.
Conclusions:
- Diffuse choroidal melanoma carries a 24% risk of metastasis at 5 years.
- Increasing tumor base and poorly defined margins are significant risk factors for metastasis.
- Early recognition and prompt treatment of diffuse choroidal melanoma are recommended.