Ocular melanoma in childhood

Malignant melanoma of the conjunctiva in children: a review of the international literature 1965-2006

PURPOSE

Conjunctival melanoma is rare in children. This article presents a comprehensive review and discusses the clinical significance of the published cases of malignant melanoma of the conjunctiva in children younger than 15 years.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

To obtain prior reports of conjunctival melanoma in children, a systematic search of the world literature was conducted. Additional studies were identified from the bibliographies of the retrieved articles, as well as from major ophthalmic textbooks.

RESULTS

A review of the literature resulted in 28 reported cases of conjunctival melanoma in children younger than 15 years, and only 8 had adequate case details.

CONCLUSION

Malignant melanoma of the conjunctiva is a rare condition in children. Limited knowledge for management and prognosis of this condition in children is largely due to its low occurrence.

Ocular melanomas and melanocytic lesions of the eye

This article describes several melanocytic lesions of the eye. Benign and malignant lesions will be discussed as well as a review of the dysplastic nevus syndrome and its proposed association with ocular melanoma. Ocular melanomas arise from the same embryologically derived melanocytes as their cutaneous counterparts. However, ocular and cutaneous melanomas differ in many respects. The diagnosis and management of these ocular tumors rely heavily on the ophthalmologist. However, knowledge of melanocytic lesions will aid the dermatologist in detection and in proper referral of these patients.