Iris Melanocytoma

This iris melanocytoma has a cobble-stone anterior surface and feathered edges

Melanocytoma can occur in the iris. This melanocytoma has a cobblestone textured surface and feathered margins. Interestingly, it is also causing a small amount of pupillary distortion (correctopia). Bits of iris melanocytoma can break off and settle in the inferior angle. These sedimentary melanocytoma cells can clog the natural drain of the eye (trabecular meshwork), causing a secondary glaucoma (an increased incidence over time). Melanocytoma tumor growth occurs in 23%. Malignant transformation is rare.

Symptoms
Most patients with iris melanocytoma can see a dark spot on their iris, and have no other symptoms. Patients can have pigment dispersion, secondary glaucoma and intraocular inflammation (iritis). Secondary glaucoma can either be asymptomatic, cause one-sided (ipsilateral) headaches and cloudy vision (with halos around lights).

Diagnosis
Iris melanocytoma can be diagnosed by clinical examination. The tumor tends to be dark brown to black and the edges can be feather-shaped. The surface can be cobblestone (bumpy) appearance or smooth.

This iris melanocytoma has a cobble-stone anterior surface and feathered edges

Melanocytoma pigment can speckle the iris surface and deposit in the anterior chamber angle.

Examination of the inferior angle by gonioscopy reveals deposits of melanocytoma pigment.

Variable pigmentation and blood vessels are not typically seen with melanocytoma (as can be seen with iris melanoma).

A tapioca colored malignant melanoma of the iris with intrinsic vascularity and correctopia.

High-frequency ultrasound is particularly helpful for the diagnosis of iris melanocytoma. This technique is used to evaluate the depth of penetration into the iris and surrounding tissues. It can also be used to monitor for growth. These tumors can extend through the iris and into the ciliary body. Unlike low reflective iris melanomas, they tend to appear bright (highly reflective).

Longitudinally oriented 20 MHz high-frequency ultrasound demonstrates the club-shaped melanocytoma

Transverse oriented 20 MHz high-frequency ultrasound demonstrates its cobblestone-shaped surface.

Treatments
Iris melanocytoma does not usually require treatment. High-quality slit-lamp photographs should be taken to record the appearance and surface characteristics of the tumor. High-frequency ultrasound should be performed to evaluate its thickness and extension into surrounding structures. These evaluations will be used as a baseline to monitor for growth. Careful attention should be made to measuring intraocular pressure. Secondary glaucoma can occur due to pigment that clogs the natural drain of the eye (trabecular meshwork). Patients should keep a copy of these baseline tests in case they move to another area or their doctors change.

Should an iris melanocytoma be found to grow, an iris biopsy can be performed to determine if it is benign or malignant. Unlike malignant iris melanoma, malignant iris melanocytomas should be surgically removed in that they tend to respond poorly to radiation therapy.

Additional Info
Secondary melanocytomalytic glaucoma can be treated like other glaucomas. It is reasonable to consult with a glaucoma specialist.

Strenuous exercize may "shake-up" the intraocular pigment and cause a temporary increase in eye pressure. If this happens, patients may complain of headaches or cloudy vision after exercize.

If glaucoma surgery is recommended (e.g. trabeculectomy, stent, valve), a small incision transcorneal biopsy can ensure that the tumor is not a melanoma. (See Innovations Section - Finger Iridectomy Technique).

Related Links
Search the Internet about Iris Melanocytomas

Search the Scientific Literature about Iris Tumors

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