High-frequency ultrasound characteristics of 24 iris and iridociliary melanomas: before and after plaque brachytherapy.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate size, characteristics, and regression of iris and iridociliary melanomas on high-frequency ultrasound images before and after plaque brachytherapy.


METHODS
Retrospective review of high-frequency ultrasound characteristics of 24 consecutive iris and iridociliary melanomas before and after radiation therapy.


RESULTS
The median tumor thickness before radiation therapy was 2.3 mm (range, 1.4-4.3 mm). Nineteen iris melanomas (79%) involved the ciliary body, 18 (75%) involved the iris pigment epithelium, 11 (46%) were club shaped, and 4 (17%) caused disinsertion of the iris root. At a median follow-up of 30 months after plaque brachytherapy, the mean tumor thickness had diminished to 1.2 mm (median, 1.2 mm; range, 0.9-1.9 mm). While all tumors exhibited a reduction in thickness, no tumors showed additional regression after 30 months past treatment. Fourteen tumors (58%) were noted to have increases in internal reflectivity. There was 1 failure of local control (at 6 years), successfully treated by a second application of plaque brachytherapy.


CONCLUSIONS
High-frequency ultrasonography revealed unique tumor characteristics, quantified tumor size, and demonstrated tumor response to radiation therapy.
Finger
Paul T
PT
The New York Eye Cancer Center, Department of Ophthalmology, New York University School of Medicine, 115 E 61st St, New York, NY 10065, USA. pfinger@eyecancer.com
Reddy
Shantan
S
Chin
Kimberly
K
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001918:Brachytherapy; D002924:Ciliary Body / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D018450:Disease Progression; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D015811:Iris Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000532:radiotherapy; D008297:Male; D008545:Melanoma / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000532:radiotherapy; D008875:Middle Aged; D011379:Prognosis; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013997:Time Factors; D014463:Ultrasonography; D014604:Uveal Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging