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Malignant transformation of an iris melanocytoma

A case report

  • Clinical Investigations
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Abstract

A 34-year-old Caucasian woman was diagnosed as having a pigmented iris tumor showing recent growth and satellite lesions. The tumor was associated with pigmentation of the anterior chamber angle and secondary unilateral glaucoma. After local excision, histopathologic studies revealed the plump polyhedral cells typical of melanocytoma. However, the examination of additional sections showed evidence of malignancy. The diagnosis of a melanocytoma that transformed into malignant melanoma was made and later confirmed by electron microscopic studies. Following surgical excision of the tumor, the eye maintained normal intraocular pressure. There was no evidence of recurrence 4 years after surgery.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Eye Research Institute and Retina Associates, 20 Staniford Street, 02114, Boston, MA, USA

    Arnaldo P. Cialdini, Alex E. Jalkh, John J. Weiter & Kamal Zakka

  2. Harvard Medical School, Boston, Mass, USA

    Jose A. Sahel & Daniel M. Albert

  3. Eye Pathology Laboratory, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Boston, Mass, USA

    Jose A. Sahel & Daniel M. Albert

Authors
  1. Arnaldo P. Cialdini
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  2. Jose A. Sahel
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  3. Alex E. Jalkh
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  4. John J. Weiter
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  5. Kamal Zakka
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  6. Daniel M. Albert
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Cialdini, A.P., Sahel, J.A., Jalkh, A.E. et al. Malignant transformation of an iris melanocytoma. Graefe's Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol 227, 348–354 (1989). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02169411

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02169411

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