Necrotic uveal melanoma with orbital inflammation

PURPOSE. Extraocular extension of uveal melanoma can be accompanied by proptosis and signs of orbital inflammation but this clinical presentation is an uncommon feature if the tumor is solely intraocular. METHODS. Case report. RESULTS. The authors describe a patient with a medium-sized necrotic uveal melanoma, without extraocular spread, presenting with the clinical picture of orbital cellulitis. CONCLUSIONS. The ophthalmologist needs to be aware of this uncommon presentation of uveal melanoma, and not assume the presence of proptosis and orbital inflammation as signs of extraocular extension. © Wichtig Editors, 2006.