Premium
Technique and role of biopsies in intraocular tumors
Author(s) -
DAMATO BE,
COUPLAND SE
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
acta ophthalmologica
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.534
H-Index - 87
eISSN - 1755-3768
pISSN - 1755-375X
DOI - 10.1111/j.1755-3768.2011.1263.x
Subject(s) - medicine , biopsy , incisional biopsy , intraocular lymphoma , retinal detachment , sclera , endophthalmitis , radiology , surgery , pathology , lymphoma , ophthalmology , retinal
Purpose This presentation will give an overview of intraocular tumour biopsy with special reference to techniques, results and complications. Methods The methods include: (a) aspiration biopsy, using a fine needle or vitreous cutter, passed through the sclera or through the retina; (b) incisional biopsy; and (c) excisional biopsy, removing either the tumour or the entire eye. Close liaison with the pathologist is required, especially in the case of vitreous biopsy for suspected retinal lymphoma. Immunohistochemistry has greatly enhanced diagnostic accuracy. Results Biopsy is usually successful at obtaining sufficient material for diagnosis and prognostication. The chances of failure are greatest with small tumours. Others complications include: vitreous haemorrhage, rhegmatogenous retinal detachment, endophthalmitis and tumour seeding. Prognostication is more accurate if the biopsy results are assessed together with clinical data, also taking age and sex into account. Conclusion Biopsy is useful for diagnosis and prognostication in selected cases, but requires surgical expertise and a highly‐skilled laboratory team.