Giant Orbital Melanoma in a Heroin Abuser

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of this report was to report a heroin abuser with nondiagnosed giant uveal melanoma infiltrating the orbit and prolapsing through the face. Methods: We conducted a case report of the patient with giant melanoma. Results: In March 2013, a 39-year-old male with bleeding from the right side of his face was taken to the Emergency Center of the University Hospital Bratislava by ambulance. The heroin abusing, homeless male who had never been treated before reported a 2-year history of a prolapsed, dark colored mass from his eye. Acute computed tomography confirmed a solid mass 20 × 20 cm prolapsing from the orbit. The patient rejected primary care, accepted only 1 transfusion and left the hospital. Two months later, he was admitted to the hospital due to anemia after many collapses. Liver metastasis was present. Surgical palliative therapy was not possible due to his general status. The patient started fractionated external radiotherapy with 8.0 Gy Co60. Histopathological examination of the biopsy specimen showed malignant melanoma of the epitheloid type G2–3. The patient died in December 2013. Conclusion: Extraorbital formation of a melanoma mass may progress to a giant volume, and without treatment, led to metastases in the liver and to death after 9 months in our patient with anemia.

Keywords

• Uveal melanoma
• Orbital extension
• Extraorbital extension
• Heroin abuser