Purpose: To report a case of a woman diagnosed with choroidal melanoma during pregnancy, as well as review similar cases published in the literature. The prevalence, risk factors, treatment, prognosis, and outcomes of choroidal melanoma in pregnancy are addressed.
Methods: An extensive search of the literature was conducted by accessing PubMed, MEDLINE, and Scopus databases in January 2018 to identify cases of choroidal or uveal melanoma diagnosed during pregnancy.
Patient: A 37-year-old white woman pregnant with twins and diagnosed with choroidal melanoma.
Results: Choroidal melanoma in pregnancy has a prevalence ranging from 4.3% to 7.5% among women of childbearing age with the disease. Pregnancy has been linked to increased incidence of choroidal melanoma, but female hormones have not been shown to play a role in the pathogenesis of the disease. Other factors such as melanocyte-stimulation hormone and fetal-induced angiogenesis may be implicated. Choroidal melanoma in pregnancy has not resulted in a worse maternal or fetal outcome.
Conclusion: Although rare, choroidal melanoma in pregnancy is a clinical challenge. Management of these patients should be tailored to maternal and fetal needs.