The gross examination of eyes removed for choroidal and ciliary body melanomas

Because the traditional gross examination technique used by most ophthalmic pathologists requires cutting into the eye without directly visualizing the tumor, pathologists cannot be certain that the slides generated reflect the areas or dimensions of clinical concern. An alternate laboratory technique permits the pathologist to examine the tumor from the clinician's perspective. If the tumor is confined to the posterior pole, the anterior segment is removed first; if the tumor extends anterior to the equator, the calotte opposite the tumor apex is removed permitting direct observation of the tumor. Sections of the tumor can be obtained corresponding to the largest tumor dimensions and other areas of clinical interest to obtain precise clinicopathologic correlations. All portions of the eye not involved by tumor are also studied to complete the examination.