[Macroscopic and histological data in the prognosis of malignant choroidal melanoma]

The macroscopic study of choroidal melanoma gives information on tumor extension and tumor size, which help in determining the prognosis and in making the therapeutic choice. Numerous microscopic changes observed in melanomas are also important in the prognosis. However, the number of available histologic specimens has dramatically decreased since the generalized use of conservative radiation treatment. Except in cases of enucleation or choroidectomy, the histologic criteria to establish the prognosis are not available in many cases and cannot be used for wide-range statistical studies.