Eyelids metastases from uveal melanoma: clinical and histopathologic features of two cases and literature review

Eye (Lond). 2019 May;33(5):767-771. doi: 10.1038/s41433-018-0317-7. Epub 2018 Dec 18.

Abstract

Purpose: To report the clinical and histopathologic features of two cases of eyelids metastases from uveal melanoma diagnosed in a metachronous and synchronous fashion.

Methods: Monocentric retrospective case series of histopathologically proven eyelids metastases from uveal melanoma at our institution.

Results: Two patients were presented to our hospital for upper eyelids pigmented and firm lesions. Patient 1 had an history of left uveal melanoma treated conservatively with proton beam therapy 5 years earlier. Examination revealed bilateral upper eyelids lesions. Patient 2 had no malignancy history but was incidentally diagnosed with a cerebral nodule few months earlier. Examination revealed a right upper eyelid nodule and a previously unknown right uveal melanoma. Excisional biopsy was performed for both patients. Pathological assessment allowed the presence of melanoma cells. The lack of BAP1 nuclear expression on immunohistochemistry as well as the absence of cutaneous or mucosal melanoma were consistent with an uveal origin. Diffuse metastatic spread was noted for both patients. Systemic therapies were prescribed. Patient 1 died from metastatic spread (62 months and 4 months after uveal melanoma diagnosis and eyelids metastases removal, respectively) whereas patient 2 was still alive (14 months follow up).

Conclusions: Eyelids metastases from uveal melanoma is an exceptional finding. Excisional biopsy and pathological assessment are of main importance to confirm the diagnosis and to identify genetic mutations for further targeted therapies. Currently, prognosis remains poor.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Biomarkers, Tumor / metabolism
  • Biopsy
  • Combined Modality Therapy
  • Eyelid Neoplasms / metabolism
  • Eyelid Neoplasms / secondary*
  • Eyelid Neoplasms / therapy
  • Fatal Outcome
  • Humans
  • Immunotherapy
  • MART-1 Antigen / metabolism
  • Male
  • Melanoma / metabolism
  • Melanoma / secondary*
  • Melanoma / therapy
  • Middle Aged
  • Prognosis
  • Proton Therapy
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Tumor Suppressor Proteins / metabolism
  • Ubiquitin Thiolesterase / metabolism
  • Uveal Neoplasms / metabolism
  • Uveal Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Uveal Neoplasms / therapy

Substances

  • BAP1 protein, human
  • Biomarkers, Tumor
  • MART-1 Antigen
  • MLANA protein, human
  • Tumor Suppressor Proteins
  • Ubiquitin Thiolesterase