A necrotic ciliochoroidal malignant melanoma in a young Thai female

ABSTRACT

Background: Uveal malignant melanoma is not common among Asians and is rare in young people. Extensive necrosis of a tumor without prior treatment has scarcely been reported. Objective: To study the histopathology findings of a large uveal mass in a young female. Method: Review of clinical history, physical examination, ultrasonography, radiography, and histopathology were performed. Results: A 14-year-old Thai female with a past history of trauma presented with visual loss in her left eye. Total lens opacity was found. During the lens aspiration procedure, a dark ciliochoroidal mass was detected. A large uveal melanoma was suspected. The enucleated eye consisted of an extensively necrotic ciliochoroidal malignant melanoma with only tiny foci of the epithelioid cells at the tumor base. There was no extrascleral extension. A systemic work-up did not show extraocular involvement. Conclusion: We report a rare case of a large, necrotic type, uveal melanoma in a teenage Thai female.