Uveal melanomas in black patients: a case series and comparative review

Uveal melanomas are rare in black patients. Of a total of 2586 patients with the diagnosis of posterior uveal melanoma who were managed in the Oncology Service at Wills Eye Hospital from 1974 to 1987, 10 patients (0.39%) were black. Data on patient age (mean: 53.9 years), sex (male-to-female ratio: 7:3), and relative frequency of disease between black (0.39% of total cases) and white patients were similar to that of previous reports. The distinguishing characteristics (incidence, risk factors, complications, and prognostic indicators) of uveal melanoma in black versus white patients also were reviewed.