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In dermatology, “pseudo” is often used as a prefix for entities resembling another standard condition, either morphologically or histopathologically. Correspondingly, “pseudotumor” is a term encompassing dermatological conditions which are not true proliferations, but either have a clinical resemblance to a known tumor (e.g., Pseudokaposi's sarcoma is actually a non-neoplastic condition) or a histopathological resemblance to one (e.g., pseudo-myogenic hemangioendothelioma named due to a histopathological resemblance between myocytes and tumor cells). Often such a nomenclature can create confusion and unnecessary alarm for both the physicians and the patients. Through this article we attempt to summarise “pseudotumors” in dermatology and classify them into clinical and histopathological “pseudotumors”, so as to produce a ready reckoner for this confusing nomenclature.

We aim to report the management of a patient who presented with a choroidal mass masquerading as an amelanotic choroidal melanoma. A 57-year-old male presented with defective vision in his right eye, which was associated with mild periocular pain. Fundus examination showed a large dome-shaped yellowish-orange subretinal mass in the macular region and exudative retinal detachment (RD). Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed a 16 mm × 8 mm choroidal mass, which was hyperintense on T1-weighted images and hypointense on T2-weighted images. B-scan ultrasonography revealed a dome-shaped mass with homogeneous echogenicity, inferior RD, and fluid collection in the sub-Tenon space. There was no choroidal excavation. He was diagnosed as nodular posterior scleritis (NPS) with exudative RD in the right eye. The lesion regressed completely after treatment with oral steroids. Choroidal mass can pose a diagnostic dilemma to ophthalmologists. Atypical MRI features can further augment the confusion. Despite its low incidence, NPS should always be kept as a differential in the presence of an amelanotic choroidal mass.

Melanocytoma is a deeply pigmented variant of melanocytic nevus that classically occurs in the optic disk, sometimes with contiguous involvement of the adjacent retina or choroid. Historically, this tumor was often confused with malignant melanoma both clinically and histopathologically. Today, however, it is generally recognized by its typical clinical features that differ from most melanomas and erroneous enucleation is rarely done. Histopathologically, melanocytoma is composed of intensely pigmented round to oval nevus cells with benign features. Although traditionally believed to be a relatively stationary lesion, it is now known to exhibit minor enlargement in 10--15% of cases and can cause minor visual loss by a variety of mechanisms. In rare instance, it can induce severe visual loss due to spontaneous necrosis of the lesion or compressive optic neuropathy. More importantly, it can exhibit malignant transformation into melanoma in 1--2% of cases. Ophthalmologists should be familiar with melanocytoma of the optic disk and affected patients should be followed periodically.

Purpose: The purpose of the study was to investigate the corticosteroids for uveal effusion syndrome (UES). Methods: Retrospective series of 104 eyes with UES treated with oral corticosteroids (OCS), periocular corticosteroids (PCS), topical corticosteroids (TCS), or observation (OBS). Main outcome measure was UES resolution. Results: Of 104 eyes, treatment included OCS (n = 27), PCS (n = 12), TCS (n = 11), and OBS (n = 54). A comparison of the four groups (OCS vs. PCS vs. TCS vs. OBS) revealed differences in those managed with OCS versus OBS as younger (66 vs. 72 years, P = 0.049), PCS versus OBS as male (100% vs. 54%, P = 0.002), PCS versus OBS with decreased visual acuity (VA)/visual field (91% vs. 51%, P = 0.018), and OBS versus OCS as asymptomatic (28% vs. 0%, P = 0.001). Of the 59 with follow-up information, management included OCS (n = 21), PCS (n = 12), TCS (n = 6), and OBS (n = 20). There were differences in initial VA

Pseudomelanoma is a condition that mimics a uveal melanoma. Various methods are used to differentiate between uveal melanoma and mimicking conditions, but none is definitive. We report a case of localized hemorrhagic choroidal detachment in monocular middle-aged Asian lady of Indian origin with opaque media secondary to failed corneal graft. An ultrasound scan revealed a mass lesion suspected to be choroidal melanoma. After 10 weeks of observation and follow-up, lesion showed complete regression as seen with serial ultrasound scans. This case is being presented for its rarity and unique presentation in a bilaterally blind patient with spontaneous resolution of pseudomelanoma documented with serial imaging.

Leiomyoma is a rare intraocular tumor that arises from uveal smooth muscle. Herein, we report a large leiomyoma that occupied nearly 50% of the globe, closely resembling melanoma. A 40-year-old female presented with a 17 x 15 x 11 mm amelanotic ciliochoroidal mass causing visual defect in her right eye (OD). Based on transillumination features of tumor shadow and ultrasonographic features of acoustically solid mass, there was low clinical suspicion for leiomyoma or schwannoma, and a preliminary diagnosis of ciliochoroidal melanoma was rendered. Following enucleation, histopathology revealed a paucicellular tumor comprised of spindle cells, with positive immunostaining for smooth muscle actin and negative stains for melanoma markers (S-100 protein, HMB45, and MITF-2). These features were consistent with ciliochoroidal leiomyoma. Benign uveal leiomyoma can achieve an unusually large size and block light transmission on transillumination, features that simulate malignant melanoma.