Orbital malignant melanoma: the 2002 Sean B Murphy lecture

Primary Orbital Melanoma: An Investigation of a Rare Malignancy Using the National Cancer Database

OBJECTIVES

Primary orbital melanoma (POM) is a rare disease with limited data on survival and best treatment practices. Here we utilize the National Cancer Database (NCDB) to determine the overall survival (OS) and covariates that influence mortality.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study.

METHODS

All patients diagnosed with POM from 2004 to 2016 were identified in the NCDB. Patient and oncologic data were analyzed using the Kaplan-Meier method and multivariate models for the primary outcome of OS.

RESULTS

A total of 129 patients were identified. Median OS was 36.9 months (95% confidence interval [CI] 24.1-78.7 months) with mean 5-year survival of 42.0% (CI 33.2%-53.2%). Treatments received included surgery alone (43.4%), radiation alone (23.3%), and surgery followed by radiation (20.2%). The multivariate model demonstrated an increased risk of death associated with age over 80 years (hazard ratio [HR] 3.41, CI 1.31-8.86, P = .012), a Charlson-Deyo comorbidity score of 2 or greater (HR 5.30, CI 1.87-15.03, P = .002), and no treatment (HR 2.28, CI 1.03-5.06, P = .042). For every 1 cm increase in tumor size, there was an increased risk of death (HR 1.06, CI 1.00-1.13, P = .039). When compared to surgery alone, no other treatment modality had an effect on OS.

CONCLUSIONS

This study leveraged multiyear data from the NCDB to provide prognostic and demographic information on the largest known cohort of POM cases. Increased age, increased comorbidities, not receiving treatment, and larger tumor size were associated with increased mortality. There was no clear survival advantage for specific treatments.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

4 Laryngoscope, 131:1790-1797, 2021.

Orbital melanoma with calcification: A diagnostic dilemma

Primary orbital melanoma is rare and has varied initial presentation. A 28-year-old female presented with proptosis and decreased vision in the left eye. Computed tomography scan showed an orbital mass with contrast enhancement and calcification around the optic nerve leading to a diagnosis of meningioma. The patient chose to be on observation. Loss of vision with an increase in proptosis was seen at 6 months follow-up. On surgical exploration, a well-defined pigmented mass was seen encasing the optic nerve. Histopathological analysis revealed a malignant melanoma. Metastatic workup was negative. Left eye lid sparing exenteration was done. A high index of suspicion is necessary in a rapidly growing suspected optic nerve sheath meningioma and a differential diagnosis including orbital melanoma be considered.

Melanoma of the eye: revealing hidden secrets, one at a time

Melanoma of the eye can involve the uveal tract with iris, ciliary body, or choroid involvement or it can involve the conjunctiva, eyelid, or orbit. Uveal involvement with choroidal melanoma is the most common, found in light complexion Caucasians with an age-adjusted incidence of 4.3 per million persons. Early detection of uveal melanoma is critical. The ABCDEF guide helps to differentiate iris nevus from iris melanoma. The letters represent: A, age young (≤40 years); B, blood in anterior chamber; C, clock hour of mass inferiorly; D, diffuse configuration; E, ectropion; and F, feathery margins. The mnemonic of TFSOM-UHHD (To Find Small Ocular Melanoma-Using Helpful Hints Daily) helps to differentiate choroidal nevus from small melanoma and represents: T, thickness over 2 mm; F, fluid; S, symptoms; O, orange pigment; M, margin within 3 mm of the optic disc; UH, ultrasound hollow; H, halo absent; and D, drusen absent. Patients with 3 or more of these factors are likely to have melanoma. These key clinical features help to identify small melanoma at a time when therapy could be life-saving. Conjunctival melanoma usually arises from primary acquired melanosis, a flat pigmentation that can lead to melanoma. Wide excision using no touch strategy is important to tumor control. Ocular examination is advised annually for all persons for detection of refractive error, cataract, glaucoma, and other conditions, but also for the detection of asymptomatic malignancies like melanoma. One at a time, we have uncovered the secrets of ocular melanoma and we forge ahead with the goal to solve the riddle of this challenging disease.

Primary melanoma of the optic nerve in a patient with 16-year follow up

Primary melanoma of the optic nerve is rare. Limited reports in the literature have been the subject of considerable controversy, as many of these melanomas have later been found to be metastatic disease or local extensions of a juxtapapillary choroidal melanoma. Moreover, these have often been reported in patients with a history of ocular or oculocutaneous pigmentary disorders. The authors present a case of primary melanoma of the optic nerve in a patient with no history of pigmentary disorder and 16 years of follow up.

Ocular melanoma: relatively rare but requiring respect

Primary ocular melanoma can involve the uveal tract, conjunctiva, eyelid, or orbit. Uveal melanoma is the most common ocular melanoma and carries a serious prognosis, especially if the tumor is medium or large in size. Conjunctival melanoma manifests on the surface of the eye and has been increasing in incidence. Eyelid and primary orbital melanoma are the least common variants. Early diagnosis from annual ocular examination by an experienced ophthalmologist and treatment strategies are reviewed.

Primary malignant melanoma of the orbit in an African-American man

The authors report the third case of primary orbital melanoma in an African American. A 50-year-old black man presented with 1 year of progressive vision loss and swelling of the right lacrimal gland. His presentation, imaging, biopsy, histopathology, and management are presented and the poor prognosis of primary orbital melanoma reviewed.

Orbital lymphoma presenting as an unstable ocular prosthesis: a salutary lesson

We report the unusual presentation of an extranodal marginal zone B-cell lymphoma presenting as instability of an ocular prosthesis. More commonly, the stability of an ocular prosthesis can be affected by orbital implant migration, sunken superior sulcus, eyelid malformations, shallow inferior fornix, and contracted sockets (Charlton & Weinstein, 1995). Although rare, this case highlights the importance of meticulous examination of the socket, including careful palpation for any potential masses. To our knowledge, instability of an ocular prosthesis in association with orbital lymphoma has not been described previously.

Primary malignant melanoma of the lacrimal sac: a case report

Malignant melanoma of the lacrimal sac is very rare and primary malignant melanoma is extremely rare. It is usually diagnosed at an advanced stage after excision or biopsy of a tumor. We treated a patient with tearing and bloody discharge from the left eye. We performed a dacryocystectomy with the suspicion of a chronic dacryocystitis. However, the pathological findings and the immunohistochemical studies showed a malignant melanoma of the lacrimal sac. The patient underwent postoperative irradiation therapy. Follow up two months after surgery revealed no evidence of recurrence. Early diagnosis is very important for prognosis in patients with malignant melanoma of the lacrimal sac. Because this tumor often presents with symptoms similar to dacryocystitis and may masquerade as a chronic dacryocystitis, it can be difficult to make an early diagnosis.

Primary orbital melanoma treated with iodine-125 plaque radiotherapy

PURPOSE

To report a case of primary orbital melanoma successfully managed by custom-designed iodine-125 plaque.

DESIGN

Case report.

METHODS

A 59-year-old man with no systemic or secondary melanocytic tumor was diagnosed with primary orbital melanoma after transconjunctival incisional biopsy. He was treated with unshielded iodine-125 plaque (90 Gy) that was sutured to the sclera. The radiation plan was calculated to safely target the initial tumor volume and any residual intrascleral or loose orbital melanoma cells that could have been disseminated to the surrounding orbital tissues during incisional biopsy.

RESULTS

After 66 months' follow-up, the patient was still alive with partial remission of his liver metastases. Routine orbital magnetic resonance imaging studies confirmed the lack of orbital recurrence.

CONCLUSIONS

Plaque radiotherapy appears to be a reasonable alternative to exenteration or external irradiation for orbital melanoma after biopsy confirmation.

Survey of 1264 patients with orbital tumors and simulating lesions

OBJECTIVE

To determine the incidence of specific orbital tumors based on patients referred to an ocular oncology center.

DESIGN

Retrospective, observational case series.

PARTICIPANTS

A total of 1264 consecutive patients referred to an ocular oncology service because of space-occupying orbital lesions.

METHODS

A retrospective chart review was carried out for 1264 consecutive patients referred for a suspected orbital mass over a 30-year period. The lesions were grouped into general categories, as shown in "Results." The specific diagnosis in each case was based on clinical findings, computed tomography scan results, magnetic resonance imaging results, and histopathologic analysis results, when available. The number and percentage of benign and malignant tumors per age group also was determined.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The incidence of orbital tumors and pseudotumors.

RESULTS

Among 1264 consecutive patients, the number and percentage of lesions in each general category were as follows: cystic, 70 cases (6%); vasculogenic, 213 cases (17%); peripheral nerve lesions, 23 (2%); optic nerve and meningeal tumors, 105 (8%); fibrocytic lesions, 13 (1%); osseous and fibro-osseous tumors, 21 (2%); cartilaginous lesions, 1 (<1%); lipocytic and myxoid lesions, 64 (5%); myogenic tumors, 36 (3%); lacrimal gland lesions, 114 (9%); primary melanocytic lesions, 11 (<1%); metastatic tumors, 91 (7%); lymphoma and leukemia lesions, 130 (10%); secondary orbital tumors, 142 (11%); histiocytic lesions, 17 (1%); thyroid-related orbitopathy, 67 cases (5%); other inflammatory lesions, 133 cases (11%); and miscellaneous other lesions, 13 (1%). The most common diagnoses were: lymphoid tumor (139 cases;11%), idiopathic orbital inflammation (135 cases; 11%), cavernous hemangioma (77 cases; 6%), lymphangioma (54 cases; 4%), meningioma (53 cases; 4%), optic nerve glioma (48 cases; 4%), metastatic breast cancer (44 cases;4%), orbital extension of uveal melanoma (41 cases; 3%), capillary hemangioma (36 cases;3%), rhabdomyosarcoma (35 cases; 3%), dermolipoma (31 cases; 3%), herniated orbital fat (30 cases; 2%), dermoid cyst (26 cases; 2%), varix (26 cases; 2%), dacryops (19 cases; 2%), and other less common lesions. Of the 1264 lesions, 810 (64%) were benign and 454 (36%) were malignant. The percentage of malignant lesions was 20% in children (age range, 0-18 years), 27% in young adults and middle-aged patients (age range, 19-59 years), and 58% in older patents (age range, 60-92 years). Rhabdomyosarcoma was the most common malignancy in children, representing 3% of all orbital masses, and lymphoma was the most common malignancy in older patients, representing 10% of cases.

CONCLUSIONS

A variety of tumors and pseudotumors can involve the orbit. In this series of 1264 lesions, 64% were benign and 36% were malignant. The percentage of malignant tumors increased with age, with malignancies being common in older patients because of the higher incidence of lymphoma and metastasis in the elderly.