Cytologic diagnosis of ocular melanocytoma: a case report
Saro, F.; Clua, Aín.; Esteva, E.; Carreras, A.; Adán, A.; Lerma, E.
Acta Cytologica 52(1): 87-90
2008
ISSN/ISBN: 0001-5547 PMID: 18323281 Document Number: 622304
Pigmented lesions of the eye represent a challenging field from both clinical and pathologic approaches. The importance of a correct diagnosis in this case is enhanced by the delicate structures involved and their difficult accessibility. We report a case of a 51-year-old man with acute vision loss and the feeling of a foreign body in the left eye diagnosed with vitreous hemorrhage. A small, pigmented lesion in the proximity of optic nerve head was detected. After a 9-year follow-up, a definitive diagnosis of melanocytoma was achieved in vitrectomy cytology. Smears showed a population of plump, cohesive melanocytes and elongated cells with cytoplasmic melanin and uniform rounded nuclei. No change in the lesion has occurred 3 years after vitrectomy. Fine needle aspiration proved to be helpful and reliable for the correct diagnosis of melanocytoma, which does not require additional treatment.