Abstract
Purpose::
For many years the standard treatment of uveal melanoma was enucleation. But this has been replaced by a variety of therapies, such as local resection, laser treatment, radioactive plaque therapy, radiation teletherapy, aimed at destroying the primary tumor while conserving the eye. Carbon ion irradiation is one of this radiation teletherapy. The purpose of this study is to report histopathological findings of choroidal melanoma after carbon ion irradiation.
Methods::
Forty eight year-old female underwent carbon ion irradiation with diagnosis of choroidal melanoma in her right eye. Irradiation dose was 60 GyE in 5 fractions. About 3 years after the treatment, recurrence of melanoma was observed by MRI and methionine PET out of treated area. We enucleated this eye. And this eye was studied.
Results::
Histologically, the original irradiated area showed severe necrosis and no active findings were observed. The recurred tumor showed active cells and these cells were positive to S-100 and HMB45 by immunohistochemical stainings. No connections between original tumor and new tumor were observed.
Conclusions::
In the present case the irradiated part seemed completely controlled but the recurred part was located out of treated area. The recurred tumor was located in the area of retinal detachment before treatment. We think the irradiation dose of 60 GyE was enough but we have to take great care to determine irradiation area in cases with retinal detachment.
Keywords: melanoma • choroid • radiation therapy