Pigmented adenoma of the optic nerve head simulating a melanocytoma

Ophthalmology. 1992 Nov;99(11):1705-8. doi: 10.1016/s0161-6420(92)31734-8.

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this report is to describe a clinicopathologic correlation of an unusual pigmented tumor of the optic nerve head, to point out that such a lesion can simulate clinically a melanocytoma of the optic disc, and to discuss the differential diagnosis of pigmented epipapillary lesions.

Findings: Histopathologic studies of the affected eye showed a peculiar pigmented tumor of the optic disc that was compatible with an adenoma arising from the juxtapapillary retinal pigment epithelium.

Conclusions: Adenoma of the retinal pigment epithelium can closely simulate a melanocytoma of the optic disc. There are some clinical features that may serve to differentiate the two lesions.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adenoma / pathology*
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Eye Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Fluorescein Angiography
  • Fundus Oculi
  • Hamartoma / pathology
  • Humans
  • Hyperplasia
  • Melanocytes
  • Nevus, Pigmented / pathology*
  • Optic Disk / pathology*
  • Pigment Epithelium of Eye / pathology