Progression of Cutaneous Vitiligo in a Patient with Large Posterior Choroidal Melanoma: A Case Report.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The aim of our study was to report a case of progression of cutaneous vitiligo after large posterior choroidal melanoma diagnosis.

METHODS: The clinical history, fundus findings and histopathological features suggest the diagnosis of cutaneous vitiligous progression after a diagnosis of large posterior choroidal melanoma.

RESULTS: A 30-year-old female, with a personal history of cutaneous vitiligo for 12 years, was diagnosed with choroidal melanoma 18 months previously. The cutaneous vitiligo had progressed over her back, body and arms during the preceding 3 years. She refused treatment because she was in her 28th week of pregnancy. When she came to our clinic her visual symptoms had worsened, and the fundus examination showed a melanocytic choroidal mass. After confirming that there was no extraocular extension, she was treated with enucleation. A histopathological study confirmed the choroidal melanoma diagnosis.

CONCLUSION: The association between the progression of vitiligo and the diagnosis of uveal melanoma could be considered a good prognostic factor, as has been described in cases of cutaneous melanoma. A longer follow-up of these patients will allow us to confirm this association.