Pathological Changes in Malignant Melanomas After Photocoagulation

Laser treatment for choroidal melanoma: Current concepts

“…52 In addition, tumor melanin density has been shown to affect laser efficacy. 21,123 While 90% of tumors have been described as melanotic, and 10% are amelanotic, many demonstrate mixed surface pigmentation. 69 Histopathology also shows that tumor stromal pigmentation is both variable and unpredictable based on clinical examination.…”

“…Thus it is no surprise that the depth of laser tumor penetration has been shown to be dependent on the presence or lack of tumor pigmentation. 21,123 Other examples of this phenomenon include research that has shown that the retinal pigment epithelium rapidly absorbs the blue-green argon laser, and thus only a small amount of laser energy penetrates to the underlying choroidal layer (Figure 2). 113 Similarly, PDT has been shown to fail to overcome pigmentation despite intravascular photosensitizers.…”