Quantitative Morphological Parameters For Evaluating the Propensity of Choroidal Melanomas To Orbital Extension

Morphological features of five orbit infiltrating choroidal melanomas were quantitatively evaluated and compared with ten choroidal melanomas without orbital extension. Cellularity index is significantly (p < 0.001) lower, nuclear and nucleolar area are significantly (p < 0.001) larger and related standard deviations (SD) are significantly (p < 0.005) higher in orbit infiltrating choroidal melanomas. Instead, no significant difference exists as for regularity of nuclear profile, roundness of the nuclei, and mitotic activity index. A significant relationship (p < 0.001) exists between cellularity index and nuclear area, between cellularity index and SD of nuclear area, and between nuclear area and related SD. Thus, quantitative evaluation of morphological features (cellularity index, nuclear and nucleolar area and related SD) provides important indicators of invasiveness of choroidal melanomas towards the orbital tissues. © 1987 Informa UK Ltd All rights reserved: reproduction in whole or part not permitted.