Multiple conjunctival metastases as the initial sign of metastatic uveal melanoma.

Abstract

To describe a 31-year-old patient who was initially examined with a uveal malignant melanoma metastatic to the ipsilateral conjunctiva. Thirteen months after ruthenium 106 plaque therapy for a ciliochoroidal malignant melanoma, numerous pigmented conjunctival lesions first appeared. These lesions were excised and found to be metastases of melanoma to the superficial subepithelial conjunctival tissue, composed of epithelioid cells. The appearance of darkly pigmented conjunctival lesions in a patient known to harbor a uveal malignant melanoma, even though lacking any evidence of extrascleral extension or metastatic involvement, may indicate metastatic disease.