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Orbital melanoma presenting as orbital cellulitis: a clinicopathologic report
J Fezza1, I A Chaudhry, Y H Kwon
1Department of Ophthalmology, Yale University, USA.
Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
|August 13, 1998
Summary
Rarely, choroidal melanomas can invade the orbit, presenting as orbital cellulitis. Early diagnosis and treatment of these extraocular melanomas are crucial for survival.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Oncology
- Pathology
Background:
- Choroidal melanomas are typically diagnosed early and confined to the eye.
- Rarely, these tumors can extend beyond the sclera into the orbit.
Observation:
- A 71-year-old male presented with orbital cellulitis.
- The cellulitis was secondary to a necrotic choroidal melanoma with minimal intraocular and significant extrascleral extension into the orbit.
Findings:
- Histopathologic analysis classified the lesion as a mixed melanoma (spindle B with epithelioid areas).
- The patient underwent enucleation and postoperative radiation therapy.
Implications:
- Orbital malignancies can mimic acute infections, necessitating high clinical suspicion.
- Prompt diagnosis and treatment of extrascleral choroidal melanoma improve patient survival outcomes.