Melanocytoma of the Optic Nerve- A Case Report

Melanocytoma of the optic disc is a benign stationary tumor that is usually pigmented, asymptomatic and stable in size. Even though benign, it can cause vision loss and visual field defect due to compression on the optic nerve. A 39-year-old male presented with a black shadow in the left eye which has been present for about 4 years. Fundus photo shows a darkly pigmented lesion of the optic nerve head of the left eye with a mild hemorrhage. B-scan ultrasonography shows a slightly elevated lesion at the optic nerve head. Fluorescein angiography shows hypofluorescence of the lesion. Optic nerve melanocytoma (ONM) may often display clinical similarities to melanoma but with adequate diagnostic tools can be distinguished from one another. ONM can either remain stable or grow progressively slowly over many years. Annual monitoring for change is highly recommended.