Purpose:
Previous studies have shown the main risk factors for recurrenceof choroidal melanoma following transpupillary thermotherapy(TTT) include tumor height, basal diameter, amelanotic pigmentation,high maximum systolic velocity, subretinal fluid, and incompleteregression. The purpose of this study is to describe anotherrisk factor for failure in the treatment of choroidal melanomawith TTT.
Methods:
Retrospective chart review of four patients with recurrenceof choroidal melanoma at the foveal edge following TTT.
Results:
Four patients who underwent TTT for choroidal melanoma nearthe fovea all had recurrences of the tumor at the foveal edge.The time between treatment and recurrence was 18 months, 3 years,8 years, and 12 years in these four patients.
Conclusions:
Choroidal melanomas near the fovea treated with TTT are at riskfor recurrence. This is likely secondary to conservative undertreatmentof the tumor adjacent to the fovea compared to more aggressivetreatment of the remaining tumor. Recurrence of the tumor canoccur as long as 12 years following treatment with TTT.
Keywords: tumors • melanoma • choroid