Delayed treatment of choroidal melanoma due to pregnancy

Abstract

Purpose: The authors report a 27-year-old woman who presented with a large, choroidal melanoma when she was 28 weeks pregnant. Following detailed discussion with the patient, the decision was made to postpone any surgical treatment until after the birth of her child.

Methods: Case report.

Results: The patient had successful transscleral local resection of the tumor with 6/12 vision 6 months later. Cytogenetic studies showed a low risk of subsequent metastases.

Conclusions: This case illustrates that deferring the treatment of a choroidal melanoma presenting during pregnancy can be a reasonable treatment plan, if the patient is highly motivated to keep the eye.