Fine-needle aspiration biopsy of the iris
H. E. Grossniklaus
Department of Ophthalmology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Ga.
Fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) specimens obtained from nine
consecutive iris lesions were examined. The lesions included primary
malignant melanoma (four cases), metastatic melanoma, metastatic
adenocarcinoma, leukemic infiltrate, lymphocytic infiltrate, and epithelial
ingrowth. Subsequent histopathologic correlation was performed in all
cases. Patient treatment influenced by the results of the FNABs included
enucleation (three cases), clinical observation (two cases), external beam
irradiation (two cases), resection, and radioactive plaque application. No
complications occurred from the FNABs. Fine-needle aspiration biopsy of the
iris can be performed with local anesthesia at the slit lamp as an
outpatient procedure. In general, FNAB is a safe, effective method of
obtaining diagnostic material from primary neoplastic, secondary
neoplastic, and degenerative processes involving the iris. Limitations of
the procedure include discrepancies in interpretation of the cytologic
study and inadequate specimen.
