Lipofuscin pigment over benign and malignant choroidal tumors.

This study has shown that lipofuscin pigment may accumulate in RPE cells and macrophages over several types of benign and malignant choroidal tumors. The color of the pigment, however, varies with the nature and color of the underlying lesion. On the surface of deeply pigmented tumors the lipofuscin pigment may produce an orange color, whereas over amelanotic lesions it may appear brown or reddish-brown. On the surface of vascular tumors, such as choroidal hemangiomas, the lipofuscin is almost invisible ophthalmoscopically but may be demonstrated with fluorescein angiography. Although the presence of such pigment accumulation is suggestive of a malignant melanoma, it is not diagnostic and may occur over benign simulating lesions as well.