Case Series: Presumed Choroidal Melanoma Diagnosis Expedited by Documented Growth on Serial Optical Coherence Tomography

Abstract

Significance: These cases highlight the importance of monitoring choroidal nevi with benign imaging characteristics and the potential to quantify horizontal growth using optical coherence tomography (OCT), in the absence of color fundus photography.

Purpose: This study aimed to present reports of two patients with pigmented choroidal tumors with low malignant potential based on their multimodal imaging features at the time of referral, but access to prior OCT imaging confirmed horizontal growth consistent with melanoma.

Case reports: Two patients with pigmented, dome-shaped, subfoveal tumors were referred. Both tumors had basal diameters greater than 5 mm but no other risk factor for growth at the time of referral. Screening OCT scans had been taken of each patient's macula more than 5 years before referral, but color fundus photography was not available for either. Repeat OCT scanning at the time of referral showed horizontal growth of the tumors consistent with melanoma. As per the "To Find Small Ocular Melanoma-Do Imaging" risk factor assessment, the 5-year risk of growth of both tumors would be estimated at 11% at the time of referral, and in the absence of the documented horizontal growth on OCT scanning, the patients would have been monitored for growth. After discussion of the risks and benefits, both patients elected for their tumors to be managed as choroidal melanomas and underwent ruthenium plaque brachytherapy.

Conclusions: Horizontal growth of choroidal tumors can be established using sequential OCT scans in the absence of color fundus photography. Access to prior imaging can expedite the diagnosis of choroidal melanoma, potentially allowing patients to be treated earlier.