Fine Needle Aspiration Biopsy of Posterior Orbital Tumors

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of fine-needle aspiration biopsies of mass lesions located in the posterior orbit. METHODS: Eight patients with mass lesions in the posterior orbit underwent fine-needle aspiration biopsy with 21-gauge needles using the freehand technique. RESULTS: Fine-needle aspiration biopsies were performed easily and safely. One patient developed subconjunctival hemorrhage following biopsy, but no major complications were observed. Diagnostic specimens were obtained in 6 patients (75%). Of these diagnostic cases, 3 were benign, and the other 3 were malignant. In 3 of 6 patients we performed surgical excisions, while in the others we performed radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy. In 2 patients (25%) the cytologic specimens were inadequate. CONCLUSIONS: Fine-needle aspiration biopsy is useful and safe in evaluating orbital mass lesions, especially when they are not surgically accessible due to their location in the posterior orbit.