Intraocular fine needle aspiration cytology as a diagnostic modality for retinoblastoma

The diagnosis of retinoblastoma (RB) is usually made by clinical examination and imaging modalities such as B-scan ultrasonography of the eye, CT scan and MRI of the orbits. The role of fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) as a diagnostic modality for RB has been controversial, mainly due to concerns of tumor dissemination and extra-ocular spread[1]–[2]. Although the majority of RB cases can be diagnosed without the need for any invasive procedure, in rare instances, differentiation of RB from benign simulating conditions can be particularly challenging. This study was undertaken to determine the utility and safety of intraocular FNAC as a supportive diagnostic tool in selected cases of RB wherein clinical features and imaging were found to be inconclusive.