Sequential development of bilateral primary choroidal melanoma.
OBJECTIVE
A case of a woman who had bilateral choroidal melanoma diagnosed sequentially 20 months apart and managed conservatively is described.


METHODS
The first eye having a juxtapapillary melanoma was treated with a notched episcleral radioactive plaque. The second eye, initially containing a small nevus with unequivocal rapid growth, was managed with diode laser transpupillary thermotherapy.


RESULTS
Both tumors regressed considerably following treatment and the patient retained good visual acuity in both eyes. No other malignancies or metastasis were detected during the follow-up period.


CONCLUSIONS
A small choroidal nevus rapidly grew after treating a choroidal melanoma in the fellow eye. Close follow-up of such patients is mandatory. Also, conservative treatment should be opted whenever possible given the unpredictable course of the opposite melanocytic lesion.
Kiratli
H
H
Department of Ophthalmology, Hacettepe University School of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey. hayyamk@turnet.net.tr
Bilgiç
S
S
D000368:Aged; D001918:Brachytherapy; D002830:Choroid Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology* / Q000628:therapy; D005260:Female; D005654:Fundus Oculi; D006801:Humans; D006979:Hyperthermia, Induced; D008545:Melanoma / Q000473:pathology* / Q000628:therapy; D012074:Remission Induction; D014792:Visual Acuity