The heterogeneous distribution of monosomy 3 in uveal melanomas: implications for prognostication based on fine-needle aspiration biopsies.

Context: The detection of monosomy 3 in uveal melanomas has repeatedly been associated with adverse outcome. Fine-needle aspiration biopsy is being used to detect monosomy 3 in these tumors, based on the assumption that this chromosomal abnormality is distributed homogeneously throughout the tumor.

Objective: To study the distribution of monosomy 3 in primary uveal melanoma by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH).