Fine-needle aspiration biopsy of orbital lesions may offer alternative to open biopsy

Fine-needle aspiration biopsy of orbital lesions was determined to be an effective technique for cytologic diagnoses and may help avoid open biopsy, according to a study.

In the retrospective case series, 210 orbital lesion of 207 patients were evaluated with a fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) technique.

The technique resulted in a successful cytologic diagnosis in 176 cases (84%). When it was paired with clinical appearance, imaging appearance and clinical history, there was sufficient information for treatment for 54% of cases. Incisional or excisional biopsy was not needed in these patients.

In 97 patients who required an excisional or incisional biopsy, the fine-needle aspiration biopsy diagnoses and the histopathologic diagnoses corresponded in 87% of cases, according to the study.

“The success reported in this study with FNAB of orbital lesions suggests that this procedure may be safer than previously reported and, in select cases, may allow for avoidance of an open biopsy. Although approximately 25% of patients may require a secondary biopsy to obtain an appropriate tissue diagnosis, with the current health care climate of minimally invasive surgery and cost control, FNAB should be considered as a valid alternative to open surgery in the evaluation and management of orbital lesions,” the study authors said. – by Robert Linnehan

Disclosure: The authors report no relevant financial disclosures.

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Source:

Wiktorin ACH, et al. Am J Ophthalmol. 2016;doi;10.1016/j.ajo.2016.03.021.