Metastases in the ophthalmic region in Denmark 1969-98. A histopathological study.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the patterns of origin and anatomical localization of histologically verified metastases in the ophthalmic region in Denmark during 1969-98, and to compare the findings with those of a similar study for the period 1944-68.


METHODS
All metastatic lesions presented at the Eye Pathology Institute, University of Copenhagen during the period 1968-98 were investigated.


RESULTS
Metastases were found in 81 specimens from the eye and eye region in 76 patients (32 men, 44 women). Five patients had bilateral involvement. The most frequent site of involvement was the uvea (63%), followed by the orbit (26%) and the eyelids (10%). Breast cancer accounted for the most frequent primary tumour (38%), followed by lung cancer (24%) and skin melanoma (14%).


CONCLUSIONS
The pattern of anatomical location of metastases in the ocular region has not changed since 1944. The incidence of metastases has fallen significantly throughout the period.
Fahmy
Peter
P
Eye Pathology Institute, University of Copenhagen, Denmark.
Heegaard
Steffen
S
Jensen
Ove Aksel
OA
Prause
Jan Ulrik
JU
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology*; D003718:Denmark / Q000453:epidemiology; D005134:Eye Neoplasms / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000556:secondary*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology*