Tapioca Melanoma of the Iris

Tapioca Melanoma of the Iris: a Case Report

“…[4] It seems that agglomeration of epithelioid cells in the anterior chamber angle is the cause of IOP elevation. [3] Tapioca is derived from a native Brazilian word denoting the pale granular starch material obtained from manioc tubers. [6] Algernon Reese used the term “tapioca melanoma" for the first time in 1972, owing to the resemblance of these pale tumor nodules to tapioca pudding.…”

“…[6] Algernon Reese used the term “tapioca melanoma" for the first time in 1972, owing to the resemblance of these pale tumor nodules to tapioca pudding. [2,3,10] Earlier in 1959, Lorenz E Zimmerman diagnosed this lesion and described it as an atypical iris melanoma. [3] Compared to the other types of iris melanoma, tapioca melanoma mostly occurs in younger patients.…”

“…This tumor could also manifest as a diffuse, circumferential, and lightly pigmented or amelanotic lesion. [3,4] Almost 3–5% of patients develop distant metastasis of tumor. [5] Histopathologically, tapioca melanoma is similar to other types of iris melanomas, but can be distinguished by their specific clinical presentations.…”

“…[6] Tapioca melanoma is characterized by weakly pigmented spindle or epithelioid malignant cells with a spreading pattern. [3,4] Compared to the other types of iris melanomas, tapioca melanoma is an uncommon type characterized by seeding and high IOP in younger patients. [5] A collection of epithelioid cells in the anterior chamber angle may cause glaucoma.…”

Glaucomas Secondary to Intraocular Melanomas

“…Patients with ring melanomas may be particularly predisposed to secondary glaucoma. Tapioca melanoma, another phenotype of uveal tract melanomas where patients can present with nodular segmental lesions on the iris, may also cause secondary glaucoma (Reese, 1972). also been reported to cause secondary glaucoma (Char, 1980).…”