PubMed ID: 718516
Author(s): Zakov ZN, Smith TR, Albert DM. False-positive 32P uptake tests. Arch Ophthalmol. 1978 Dec;96(12):2240-3. PMID 718516
Journal: Archives Of Ophthalmology (Chicago, Ill. : 1960), Volume 96, Issue 12, Dec 1978
Three patients had suspected choroidal melanoma and positive results for radioactive phosphorus (32P) uptake tests, leading to enuclearion in two of the patients. No malignancy was present on histopathologic examination. This experience reemphasizes the need for the ophthalmologist to evaluate the total clinical picture and not to give inappropriate consideration to a “positive” 32P uptake test in deciding for or against enucleation in a suspected choroidal melanoma. The positive 32P uptake test, even with high values, cannot be equated with malignancy, and a variety of nonmalignant lesions may give false-positive results.