Open AccessMelanocytoma of the optic disk: A review
Author(s) -
Jerry A. Shields,
Hakan Demirci,
Arman Mashayekhi,
Ralph C. Eagle,
Carol L. Shields
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
indian journal of ophthalmology/indian journal of ophthalmology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.542
H-Index - 51
eISSN - 1998-3689
pISSN - 0301-4738
DOI - 10.4103/ijo.ijo_2039_19
Subject(s) - melanocytoma , medicine , enucleation , gnaq , nevus , choroid , lesion , melanoma , optic neuropathy , optic nerve , carney complex , pathology , dermatology , malignant transformation , retina , ophthalmology , surgery , neuroscience , biochemistry , chemistry , cancer research , biology , mutation , gene
Melanocytoma is a deeply pigmented variant of melanocytic nevus that classically occurs in the optic disk, sometimes with contiguous involvement of the adjacent retina or choroid. Historically, this tumor was often confused with malignant melanoma both clinically and histopathologically. Today, however, it is generally recognized by its typical clinical features that differ from most melanomas and erroneous enucleation is rarely done. Histopathologically, melanocytoma is composed of intensely pigmented round to oval nevus cells with benign features. Although traditionally believed to be a relatively stationary lesion, it is now known to exhibit minor enlargement in 10--15% of cases and can cause minor visual loss by a variety of mechanisms. In rare instance, it can induce severe visual loss due to spontaneous necrosis of the lesion or compressive optic neuropathy. More importantly, it can exhibit malignant transformation into melanoma in 1--2% of cases. Ophthalmologists should be familiar with melanocytoma of the optic disk and affected patients should be followed periodically.