Fine needle aspiration biopsy: its use in the management of orbital and intraocular tumors.

In the management of 29 patients by needle aspiration biopsy, a 100% accuracy was obtained in the diagnosis of intra- and extra-bulbar orbital lesions. The technique did not produce any important traumatic complications; there was moderate subconjunctival hemorrhagic suffusion, which spontaneously resolved. The technique proved to be positive in the diagnostic approach to lesions with a difficult access. Its importance in the choice of treatment is discussed, and its effect on the prognosis of intra-ocular tumors is emphasized. It can indeed give specific indications for early treatment of malignant lesions and avoid radical surgery of pseudo-neoplastic benign lesions. As in other sites, the technique is reliable if it is applied in cooperation with an experienced pathologist. It is simple and rapid, inexpensive and well accepted by patients more than other invasive diagnostic procedures.