Malignant Melanoma of the Lacrimal Sac / 대한이비인후과학회지

ABSTRACT

Malignant melanoma of the lacrimal sac is extremely rare. There are only 22 cases that have been reported in the world literature. One report in Korea concerned a 56 year old man presenting a 1.5-year history of bloody and purulent ocular discharge from the right eye. Chocolate colored bloody discharge appeared when pressing on the right medial canthus. Cytological examination of bloody discharge suggested malignant melanoma. A dacryocystogram showed obstruction of blood flow in the right nasolacrimal duct. CT scan showed a soft tissue density in the right lacrimal sac without any associated bony destruction. Medial maxillectomy inc1uding dacryocystectomy and postoperative irradiation were done. The patient is currently 5 months after surgery with no evidence of recurrence. Prognosis of malignant melanoma of lacrimal sac is very poor. Thus, early diagnosis and treatment is important.