False-Positive 32P Uptake Tests

Three patients had suspected choroidal melanoma and positive results for radioactive phosphorus (³²P) uptake tests, leading to enucleation 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.