Choroidal melanoma in a 7-year-old child treated by trans-scleral local resection.
OBJECTIVE
To report a choroidal melanoma in a 7-year-old child treated by trans-scleral local resection and adjuvant brachytherapy with a family history of neurofibromatosis type I (NF1) and cutaneous melanoma.


METHODS
A 7-year-old child was referred for treatment of a choroidal tumor in her left eye with a differential diagnosis of melanoma, neurilemmoma, leiomyoma, and neurofibroma. Trans-scleral local resection and, subsequently, adjuvant brachytherapy were performed.


RESULTS
Histopathology and immunohistochemistry of the specimen diagnosed an amelanotic melanoma of spindle cell type, with a moderately high number of mitoses (7/40 HPF). Multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA) analysis showed two copies of chromosome 3, three copies of the short arm of chromosome 6, and two copies of chromosome 8, strongly suggesting a good prognosis. Postoperative ophthalmic evaluation at 6 months showed no visible tumor and flat retina with visual acuity (VA) of 6/60.


CONCLUSIONS
Trans-scleral local resection with adjuvant brachytherapy in children is possible using the same techniques as for adults. Although the follow-up is short, our patient retained the eye with good vision and our cytogenetic studies allowed us to reassure the mother.
St Paul's Eye Unit, Oncology Service, Royal Liverpool University Hospital, Liverpool, UK.
Andrea
A
Russo
Sarah Ellen
SE
Coupland
Michael
M
O'Keefe
Bertil E
BE
Damato
D001918:Brachytherapy; D002648:Child; D002830:Choroid Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology / Q000532:radiotherapy / Q000601:surgery*; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008545:Melanoma / Q000473:pathology / Q000532:radiotherapy / Q000601:surgery*; D013508:Ophthalmologic Surgical Procedures; D018714:Radiotherapy, Adjuvant; D012429:Ruthenium Radioisotopes / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012590:Sclera / Q000601:surgery
D012429:Ruthenium Radioisotopes