Abstract

Introduction. Fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) of uveal melanoma (UM) is an invasive procedure. Many authors consider UM FNAB to be safe procedure, however extraocular extension of the tumor through the scleral tracts may occur. Current studies of scleral tracts after FNAB do not compare different biopsy techniques (cannula-assisted and without cannula) in terms of UM cells. Purpose. To assess morphology of scleral tracts for the presence of malignant cells when different biopsy techniques are approached. Material and methods. Forty-four scleral samples were analyzed after transvitreal FNAB performed in 22 enucleated eyes with UM. Cannula-assisted FNAB was performed in 22 cases. In the same eyes FNAB (n=22) was performed without cannula. Results. FNAB material was adequate for cytological examination in all cases. UM was confirmed in 22 eyes pathologically. UM cell implantation was detected in 5 scleral samples after FNAB without cannula. No signs of cell implantation were seen after cannula-assisted FNAB. The risk of scleral tract UM cell implantation was statistically lower in cannula-assisted FNAB technique (p=0.018, Pearson Chi-square test). Conclusions. UM FNAB performed directly through the sclera without cannula is associated with tumor cells implantation in scleral tract. Cannula-assisted FNAB significantly reduces the incidence of UM implantation in scleral tract. Key words: uveal melanoma, fine-needle aspiration biopsy, enucleation, morphology, ophthalmology.

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