Choroidal neovascular membrane in a series of cases of malignant melanoma of the choroid.
OBJECTIVE
To examine a series of choroidal melanoma specimens to determine the frequency of overlying choroidal neovascularization (CNV) and to ascertain whether CNV over choroidal malignant melanoma is associated with any particular histological tumour characteristics.


METHODS
We carried out a retrospective histological analysis of globes containing choroidal melanomas for evidence of choroidal neovascular membranes.


RESULTS
Microscopic evidence of choroidal neovascular membranes was evident in 6% of cases. Choroidal neovascularization was not associated with any particular histological tumour characteristic.


CONCLUSIONS
Choroidal neovascularization over choroidal malignant melanoma is not an infrequent occurrence and possibly appears as frequently as CNV over choroidal naevi. The presence of a choroidal neovascular membrane over a pigmented fundal lesion should not be taken as reassurance that the lesion is benign.
Guerin
Eoin
E
Department of Clinical Sciences, Unit of Ophthalmology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK. eoinguerin@hotmail.com
Hiscott
Paul
P
Damato
Bertil
B
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002829:Choroid / Q000098:blood supply / Q000473:pathology; D002830:Choroid Neoplasms / Q000098:blood supply* / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D020256:Choroidal Neovascularization / Q000175:diagnosis*; D015353:Eye Enucleation; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008545:Melanoma / Q000098:blood supply* / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies