Primary orbital melanoma masquerading as vascular anomalies

Eye (Lond). 2002 Jan;16(1):16-20. doi: 10.1038/sj.eye.6700025.

Abstract

Purpose: To review two cases of primary orbital melanoma presenting like orbital vascular anomalies.

Methods: Retrospective review of clinical presentation, treatment, radiology and pathology for two patients under the care of the Orbital Clinic at Moorfields Eye Hospital.

Results: Both lesions presented with the appearance and behaviour of vascular anomalies. In one case, a spindle cell melanoma appeared to be a low flow vascular anomaly with a loculated secondary haemorrhage and, in the other case, a melanoma of soft parts was considered to be an arteriovenous malformation and responded partially to embolisation.

Conclusion: Primary malignant melanoma may present as a secondary vascular lesion of the orbit and this very rare tumour should be considered in the differential diagnosis of any vascular anomaly.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Arteriovenous Malformations / diagnosis*
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Melanoma / diagnosis*
  • Middle Aged
  • Orbit / blood supply*
  • Orbital Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed