Indian Journal of Ophthalmology

REVIEW ARTICLE
Year
: 2019  |  Volume : 67  |  Issue : 12  |  Page : 1949--1958

Melanocytoma of the optic disk: A review


Jerry A Shields1, Hakan Demirci1, Arman Mashayekhi1, Ralph C Eagle Jr2, Carol L Shields1 
1 Oncology Service, Wills Eye Hospital, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
2 Department of Pathology, Wills Eye Hospital, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA

Correspondence Address:
Dr. Jerry A Shields
Ocular Oncology Service, Wills Eye Hospital, Thomas Jefferson University, 840 Walnut Street, Suite 1440, Philadelphia, PA - 19107
USA

Melanocytoma is a deeply pigmented variant of melanocytic nevus that classically occurs in the optic disk, sometimes with contiguous involvement of the adjacent retina or choroid. Historically, this tumor was often confused with malignant melanoma both clinically and histopathologically. Today, however, it is generally recognized by its typical clinical features that differ from most melanomas and erroneous enucleation is rarely done. Histopathologically, melanocytoma is composed of intensely pigmented round to oval nevus cells with benign features. Although traditionally believed to be a relatively stationary lesion, it is now known to exhibit minor enlargement in 10--15% of cases and can cause minor visual loss by a variety of mechanisms. In rare instance, it can induce severe visual loss due to spontaneous necrosis of the lesion or compressive optic neuropathy. More importantly, it can exhibit malignant transformation into melanoma in 1--2% of cases. Ophthalmologists should be familiar with melanocytoma of the optic disk and affected patients should be followed periodically.


How to cite this article:
Shields JA, Demirci H, Mashayekhi A, Eagle Jr RC, Shields CL. Melanocytoma of the optic disk: A review.Indian J Ophthalmol 2019;67:1949-1958


How to cite this URL:
Shields JA, Demirci H, Mashayekhi A, Eagle Jr RC, Shields CL. Melanocytoma of the optic disk: A review. Indian J Ophthalmol [serial online] 2019 [cited 2024 Mar 29 ];67:1949-1958
Available from: https://journals.lww.com/ijo/pages/default.aspx/article.asp?issn=0301-4738;year=2019;volume=67;issue=12;spage=1949;epage=1958;aulast=Shields;type=0