Limbal melanoma
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- Melanomas may invade the cornea secondarily.
- These tumors are usually pigmented, occasionally nonpigmented.
- The dorsolateral quadrant is usually the site of origination.
- Limbal melanomas occur in 2 age groups of dogs.
- In the younger group of 2 – 4 years of age, the tumors were invasive.
- In the adult dogs 8 – 11 years of age, the tumors were stationary.
- Primary limbal melanomas must be differentiated from external extension of intraocular melanomas.
Treatment
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Full thickness corneoscleral grafts are recommended to maintain a functional eye in younger dogs with progressive limbal melanomas.
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Grafts of nictitating membrane cartilage with overlying conjunctiva have been used to replace corneal and scleral defects after removal of limbal melanoma.
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In aged dogs with non progressive limbal masses, periodic surveillance appears to be adequate.
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Last modified: Friday, 23 September 2011, 5:53 AM