Baseline Echographic Characteristics of Tumors in Eyes of Patients Enrolled in the Collaborative Ocular Melanoma Study

Eighty-eight percent of the tumors in the COMS exhibited features characteristic for melanoma: low to medium reflectivity, the classic mushroom shape, or both. Using additional preset criteria, 96% of tumors exhibited baseline echographic characteristics consistent with the diagnosis of melanoma. Echography graders were able to detect extrascleral nodules ≥ 1.5 mm in elevation but not minimally elevated extraocular tumor extension. Clinicians and echographers can use these data to improve their understanding of the echographic features of untreated uveal melanomas.