Diagnostic and Management Challenges of Ciliary Body Tumor in an African-American Patient

Conclusions: The diagnosis of a ciliary body tumor, especially in an African-American patient, can be challenging despite advances in imaging systems, given the multitude of differential diagnoses. Uveal melanomas are extremely rare in African-Americans. On detailed questioning, our patient reported having mixed ancestry, with Caucasian ancestors on the mother's side and native Indian ancestors on the father's side. Information on true ethnicity should be specifically asked for as it alters the incidence rate. Biopsy provides the only option for a correct diagnosis and for developing a management plan. Fine-needle aspiration biopsy can be diagnostic, though an open flap biopsy is superior as it provides information on tissue architecture and the possibility of immunohistochemistry. Also, with plaque brachytherapy treatment, special care needs to be taken not to disturb the biopsy site to reduce the risk of seeding, and an innovative approach may need to be taken to ensure adequate radiation coverage of these anterior tumors.Ocul Oncol Pathol 2016;2:16-19

Source: Ocular Oncology and Pathology - June 10, 2015 Category: Opthalmology Source Type: research