Histopathological study on cellular infiltration in choroidal malignant melanoma
Hiramatsu, M.
Nippon Ganka Gakkai Zasshi 91(11): 1051-1060
1987
ISSN/ISBN: 0029-0203 PMID: 3445833 Document Number: 303506
Primary malignant melanomas of the choroid were studied by light and electron microscopy to examine the pattern of cellular infiltration in the tumor as well as the interaction between tumor cells and infiltrating lymphocytes. Cellular infiltration was observed at the tip of growing tumor, especially at the tumor base and around the tumor vessels. Infiltrating cells consisted almost completely of lymphocytes in various stages of blast transformation. Those lymphocytes in close contact with tumor cells extended cytoplasmic processes into them. Desmosome-like structures were also seen between tumor cells and lymphocytes. These facts suggest that lymphocytes have some cytotoxic effect against the tumor and that lymphocytic infiltration surrounding the primary choroidal malignant melanoma probably represents an immunological response of the host against the tumor.