Surgical treatment of iris and ciliary body melanoma: follow-up of a 25-year series of patients

Abstract

Purpose: To evaluate outcome of surgical resection of iris and irido-ciliary melanomas.

Method: Retrospective analysis of all cases treated in Denmark 1975-1999 with clinical follow-up in 2002 and death certificate analysis in 2008. A quality of life questionnaire was completed at follow-up.

Results: A total of 53 patients were identified. Of these, 47 were examined at follow-up. Median observation time was 7.15 years (range 0.3-27.4 years). Five patients had died of nonmelanoma causes, and one could not be reached because of immigration. None of the patient had melanoma metastases, and none had died of melanoma-related causes. Only one patient had a local recurrence, which was successfully treated by cryotherapy. The quality of life-related questions demonstrated that most patients (40) suffered from photophobia, and eight patients had changed their driving habits, not driving at night time. However, none had changed job as a consequence of the surgical treatment. Only two patients were emotionally affected by the diagnosis of iris melanoma.

Conclusion: Resection of small iris and irido-ciliary melanomas is a safe and efficient procedure, provided that strict diagnostic and surgical procedures are followed and the preoperative intraocular pressure is normal.