Surgical treatment of iris and ciliary body melanoma: follow-up of a 25-year series of patients.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate outcome of surgical resection of iris and irido-ciliary melanomas.


METHODS
Retrospective analysis of all cases treated in Denmark 1975-1999 with clinical follow-up in 2002 and death certificate analysis in 2008. A quality of life questionnaire was completed at follow-up.


RESULTS
A total of 53 patients were identified. Of these, 47 were examined at follow-up. Median observation time was 7.15 years (range 0.3-27.4 years). Five patients had died of nonmelanoma causes, and one could not be reached because of immigration. None of the patient had melanoma metastases, and none had died of melanoma-related causes. Only one patient had a local recurrence, which was successfully treated by cryotherapy. The quality of life-related questions demonstrated that most patients (40) suffered from photophobia, and eight patients had changed their driving habits, not driving at night time. However, none had changed job as a consequence of the surgical treatment. Only two patients were emotionally affected by the diagnosis of iris melanoma.


CONCLUSIONS
Resection of small iris and irido-ciliary melanomas is a safe and efficient procedure, provided that strict diagnostic and surgical procedures are followed and the preoperative intraocular pressure is normal.
Klauber
Stefan
S
Department of Ophthalmology, State University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark.
Jensen
Peter K
PK
Prause
Jan U
JU
Kessing
Svend V
SV
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002924:Ciliary Body / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007429:Intraocular Pressure; D032801:Iridectomy; D015811:Iris Neoplasms / Q000401:mortality / Q000473:pathology / Q000523:psychology / Q000601:surgery*; D054023:Lasers, Semiconductor / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008297:Male; D008545:Melanoma / Q000401:mortality / Q000473:pathology / Q000523:psychology / Q000601:surgery*; D008875:Middle Aged; D013508:Ophthalmologic Surgical Procedures; D011788:Quality of Life / Q000523:psychology; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D015996:Survival Rate; D013536:Suture Techniques; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult