Diagnostic methods in orbital diseases.

Development of diagnostic methods for orbital diseases have practically revolutionized the approach to the patient with orbital disease. These newer methods have helped the clinician to improve the accuracy of the clinical diagnosis prior to biopsy, to localize the area to be biopsied, and to prevent inappropriate surgery. These techniques have also allowed the pathologist to render more definitive diagnosis. These methods include ultrasound, computerized axial tomography, nuclear magnetic resonance imaging, fine-needle aspiration biopsy, histochemistry, immunohistochemistry and electron microscopy. The techniques are complementary, and use of each depends on the clinical situation. Some techniques require collaboration between the surgeon and pathologist to assure proper fixation and preparation of tissues.