Melanoma ocular: reporte de 24 casos de la Unidad de Melanoma del Hospital de Clínicas Dr. Manuel Quintela, Montevideo, Uruguay

Abstract

Objectives: To determine the clinical-epidemiologic features, therapeutic management and survival rate of patients diagnosed with ocular melanoma over 20 years. Materials and methods: Retrospective study involving a review of the clinical reports of patients diagnosed with ocular melanoma from 1997 to 2017 at Hospital de Clínicas Dr. Manuel Quintela of Montevideo, Uruguay. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to estimate the survival rate, with statistical significance set at a value of p < 0.05. Results: A total of 24 patients were identified. Mean age at onset was 58 years; 70.8% were women and the most common reason for consultation was visual loss in 21 cases (88%). Choroidal localization was recorded in 15 patients (62.5%), followed by the ciliary body, the conjunctiva and iris. Histology revealed epithelioid melanoma in 9 cases (37.5%) and spindle cell melanoma in 8 cases (33.3%). Enucleation was the treatment of choice in 18 patients (79%). Upon completion of this study, 17 cases (70.8%) were alive and controlled. The 5-year-survival rate was 74.2% and 51.9% after 10 years. Conclusions: In Montevideo, the clinical-epidemiologic features and survival rate of ocular melanoma are consistent with international figures. We hope this study will help improve knowledge of the disease and of therapeutic options available in the region.