A Case of Metastasis of the Malignant Melanoma from Untreated Choroidal Melanoma

ABSTRACT

A 47 year old man gave a history of progressive deterioration of vision in his right eye of more than 8 years duration, which culminated in total blindness. Since 1981 by several ophthalmologists, he had been diagnosed as retinal deta chment, a case of cysticercosis, or choroidal melanoma of the right eye. On admission, ultrasonogram and CT scan for the globe showed choroidal tu mor which entirely filled the vitreous cavity. Cytology for ascites disclosed malignant melanoma cells. Death from metastatic disease occurred four weeks after admission. The diffrentiation between primary and metastatic melanoma may be difficult. The followings are the noted help points metastatic tumors are typically multiopIe and flat in the uveal tract multiple tumor emboli are observed in choroid, ciliary body or retinal vessels associated nevus cells at the base of tumor are lacking and epitheloid cell types are consistently present. This case might be, morphologically and by his history, originated from a primary choroidal melanoma(epitheloid type).