Iris Melanocytoma

Iris Melanocytoma

Category(ies): Glaucoma, Iris

Contributor: Thomas J.E. Clark, MD

Photographer: Antoinette Venckus, CRA (fig. 1); and Wallace L.M. Alward, MD (fig. 2)

A melanocytoma is a specific type of uveal tract nevus, termed "magnocellular nevus", characterized clinically by its jet-black coloration and histologically by its heavily pigmented, large, polygonal, bland cells. Clinically, melanocytomas most often present as asymptomatic pigmented lesions.

Melanocytomas can occur anywhere along the uveal tract, but are most commonly found in the juxtapapillary region of the choroid (see related links).

Traditionally viewed as benign lesions, transformation into a malignant melanoma can occur. Malignant transformation rates for choroidal melanocytomas have been reported at 2%.(1)

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Reference:

1. Shields JA, Demirci H, Mashayekhi A, Shields CL. Melanocytoma of optic disc in 115 cases: the 2004 Samuel Johnson Memorial Lecture, part 1. Ophthalmology 2004;111:1739-46.

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