Bilateral breast metastases from choroidal melanoma

Am J Ophthalmol. 2001 Apr;131(4):521-3. doi: 10.1016/s0002-9394(00)00816-3.

Abstract

Purpose: To report an unusual case of solitary sequential bilateral breast metastases from choroidal melanoma.

Method: Case report.

Results: A 48-year-old woman with a large choroidal melanoma in the left eye was treated with Iodine-125 brachytherapy and responded satisfactorily with decrease in tumor thickness. Thirty-seven months after treatment, she developed a solitary, circumscribed melanoma metastasis to the right breast, and 54 months after treatment, a similar metastasis was detected in her left breast. Both breast tumors were managed with lumpectomy. Systemic examination including magnetic resonance imaging of abdomen, chest, and head have been performed regularly and have been normal. At 61 months after treatment, the patient has no clinical evidence of metastatic disease elsewhere.

Conclusions: Uveal melanoma rarely metastasizes to breast tissue. A breast nodule in a patient with a history of uveal melanoma is most likely a primary breast tumor but may rarely represent a metastasis from uveal melanoma.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Brachytherapy
  • Breast Neoplasms / secondary*
  • Breast Neoplasms / surgery
  • Choroid Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Choroid Neoplasms / radiotherapy
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Iodine Radioisotopes / therapeutic use
  • Mastectomy, Segmental
  • Melanoma / secondary*
  • Melanoma / therapy
  • Middle Aged
  • Visual Acuity

Substances

  • Iodine Radioisotopes