Choroidal melanoma presenting as vitreous haemorrhage. 1993

I A Cunliffe, and I G Rennie
Department of Ophthalmology and Orthoptics, University of Sheffield, UK.

Vitreous haemorrhage is an unusual presenting feature of malignant melanoma of the choroid. We describe three cases in which this occurred. The three tumours shared a number of common features: all were located in the peripheral choroid, were of a similar size and had a small herniation of tumour tissue through Bruch's membrane. We believe that vascular congestion caused by constriction of the tumour vasculature at the site of herniation is the most probable cause for the haemorrhage in these cases. We review the relevant literature and discuss some of the commoner differential diagnoses.

UI MeSH Term Description Entries
D008297 Male Males
D008545 Melanoma A malignant neoplasm derived from cells that are capable of forming melanin, which may occur in the skin of any part of the body, in the eye, or, rarely, in the mucous membranes of the genitalia, anus, oral cavity, or other sites. It occurs mostly in adults and may originate de novo or from a pigmented nevus or malignant lentigo. Melanomas frequently metastasize widely, and the regional lymph nodes, liver, lungs, and brain are likely to be involved. The incidence of malignant skin melanomas is rising rapidly in all parts of the world. (Stedman, 25th ed; from Rook et al., Textbook of Dermatology, 4th ed, p2445) Malignant Melanoma,Malignant Melanomas,Melanoma, Malignant,Melanomas,Melanomas, Malignant
D008875 Middle Aged An adult aged 45 - 64 years. Middle Age
D002829 Choroid The thin, highly vascular membrane covering most of the posterior of the eye between the RETINA and SCLERA. Choriocapillaris,Haller Layer,Haller's Layer,Sattler Layer,Sattler's Layer,Choroids
D002830 Choroid Neoplasms Tumors of the choroid; most common intraocular tumors are malignant melanomas of the choroid. These usually occur after puberty and increase in incidence with advancing age. Most malignant melanomas of the uveal tract develop from benign melanomas (nevi). Choroidal Neoplasms,Choroid Neoplasm,Choroidal Neoplasm,Neoplasm, Choroid,Neoplasm, Choroidal,Neoplasms, Choroid,Neoplasms, Choroidal
D003937 Diagnosis, Differential Determination of which one of two or more diseases or conditions a patient is suffering from by systematically comparing and contrasting results of diagnostic measures. Diagnoses, Differential,Differential Diagnoses,Differential Diagnosis
D005260 Female Females
D006801 Humans Members of the species Homo sapiens. Homo sapiens,Man (Taxonomy),Human,Man, Modern,Modern Man
D000368 Aged A person 65 years of age or older. For a person older than 79 years, AGED, 80 AND OVER is available. Elderly
D000369 Aged, 80 and over Persons 80 years of age and older. Oldest Old

Related Publications

I A Cunliffe, and I G Rennie
December 2018, BMJ case reports,
I A Cunliffe, and I G Rennie
May 1982, Annals of ophthalmology,
I A Cunliffe, and I G Rennie
April 2021, Retina (Philadelphia, Pa.),
I A Cunliffe, and I G Rennie
February 2004, Retina (Philadelphia, Pa.),
I A Cunliffe, and I G Rennie
January 2021, Case reports in ophthalmology,
I A Cunliffe, and I G Rennie
January 2019, GMS ophthalmology cases,
I A Cunliffe, and I G Rennie
July 2023, Cancers,
I A Cunliffe, and I G Rennie
May 1998, Ophthalmic surgery and lasers,
Copied contents to your clipboard!