Sequential development of bilateral primary choroidal melanoma

Purpose: A case of a woman who had bilateral choroidal melanoma diagnosed s equentially 20 months apart and managed conservatively is described. Methods: The first eye having a juxtapapillary melanoma was treated with a notched episcleral radioactive plaque. The second eye, initially containing a small nevus with unequivocal rapid growth, was managed with diode laser trans-pupillary thermotherapy, Results: Both tumors regressed considerably following treatment and the pat ient retained good visual acuity in both eyes. No other malignancies or met astasis were detected during the follow-up period. Conclusions: A small choroidal nevus rapidly grew after treating a choroida l melanoma in the fellow eye. Close follow-up of such patients is mandatory . Also, conservative treatment should be opted whenever possible given the unpredictable course of the opposite melanocytic lesion.