Coincident systemic malignant disease in uveal melanoma patients.

Differentiation of a primary uveal melanoma from a uveal metastasis can be difficult. Review of the records of 627 patients with choroidal or ciliary body melanoma seen at our institution between September 1977 and November 1987 showed that 53 (8%) had a second, systemic malignant disorder. A complete ophthalmologic evaluation, including indirect ophthalmoscopy, fundus photography, ultrasonography and general medical studies, should minimize incorrect ocular diagnosis and inappropriate therapy.