Primary orbital melanoma: a case series and literature review

Orbit. 2018 Oct;37(5):352-357. doi: 10.1080/01676830.2017.1423354. Epub 2018 Feb 1.

Abstract

Primary orbital melanoma (POM) is a very rare condition. We report further four cases and review all previously reported cases. We present a multicentre retrospective review of patients with POM. Clinical, radiological, surgical, histological, and follow-up data is presented. Four patients with POM were identified between 2000 and 2013. All presented with proptosis and diplopia without reduced vision. Two had known pre-existing blue cell naevi. All were stage T1N0M0. All underwent exenteration with adjuvant radiotherapy. All are disease free at follow-up durations of 24-151 months. The present three cases and review of all cases in the literature suggest a higher likelihood of disease-free survival from primary exenteration (7/8 disease-free survival, 1/8 death from metastatic disease) than wide local excision (7/16 disease-free survival, 9 recurrence or metastasis of whom 4 died). Adjuvant radiotherapy may additionally improve outcomes.

Keywords: Adjuvant treatment; blue cellular naevus; congenital ocular melanocytosis; exenteration; orbit; primary orbital melanoma.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Multicenter Study
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Biomarkers, Tumor / analysis
  • Diplopia / diagnosis
  • Exophthalmos / diagnosis
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Melanoma / pathology*
  • Melanoma / radiotherapy
  • Melanoma / surgery
  • Middle Aged
  • Neoplasm Staging
  • Ophthalmologic Surgical Procedures
  • Orbital Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Orbital Neoplasms / radiotherapy
  • Orbital Neoplasms / surgery
  • Radiotherapy, Adjuvant
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed

Substances

  • Biomarkers, Tumor