Unusual presentation of ciliary body melanoma - a case report

Abstract

Background: Ciliary body melanoma rarely grows transclerally by direct extension and can metastasize locally into the orbit or conjunctiva.

Objective: To report a case of ciliary body melanoma presenting clinically as a mass in the lacrimal gland region.

Case: A 40-year-old female presented to the ophthalmic out-patient department with the complaint of a swelling in the right upper and outer lid region for 4 years. Ocular examination revealed a phthisical right eye. A firm, non-tender mass was palpable in the temporal quadrant of the right supraorbital region. Ultrasonography showed retinal detachment of the right eye. The CT-scan of the orbit was reportedly suggestive of a right lacrimal gland mass. Superolateral transperiosteal orbitotomy was planned for excision of the lacrimal gland mass. Intraoperatively, a well defined mass arising from the supero-temporal region of the right globe was noticed. The procedure was converted to enucleation of the right eye. Histopathological examination of the mass showed features of ciliary body melanoma.

Conclusion: Extrascleral extension of ciliary body melanoma can present as a mass in the lacrimal gland region.

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/hren.v11i3.9657

Health Renaissance 2013;11(3):287-289