Metastases in the ophthalmic region in Denmark 1969-98. A histopathological study

Purpose: To evaluate the patterns of origin and anatomical localization of histologically verified metastases in the ophthalmic region in Denmark during 1969-98, and to compare the findings with those of a similar study for the period 1944-68. Methods: All metastatic lesions presented at the Eye Pathology Institute, University of Copenhagen during the period 1968-98 were investigated. Results: Metastases were found in 81 specimens from the eye and eye region in 76 patients (32 men, 44 women). Five patients had bilateral involvement. The most frequent site of involvement was the uvea (63%), followed by the orbit (26%) and the eyelids (10%). Breast cancer accounted for the most frequent primary tumour (38%), followed by lung cancer (24%) and skin melanoma (14%). Conclusions: The pattern of anatomical location of metastases in the ocular region has not changed since 1944. The incidence of metastases has fallen significantly throughout the period.