Utility of a Biopsy in Suspicious Pigmented Iris Tumors

Vol. 40, No. 5, 2008

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Original Paper

Utility of a Biopsy in Suspicious Pigmented Iris Tumors
Ann Schalenbourg, Sylvie Uffer, Leonidas Zografos

Jules Gonin Eye Hospital, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland

Address of Corresponding Author

Ophthalmic Res 2008;40:267-272 (DOI: 10.1159/000127834)

Key Words

Iris biopsy
Malignant melanoma
Nevus
Radiotherapy
Ultrasound biomicroscopy
Proton therapy

Abstract

Background: In the presence of pigmented iris lesions evocative of malignant melanoma and implying oncological treatment, a foregoing biopsy to exclude a benign lesion may seem a reasonable approach. After examining patient files, the utility of such a diagnostic approach was explored. Material and Methods: Retrospective, consecutive histopathologic case series of 10 pigmented iris tumor specimens excised since 1993. Histopathologic diagnosis was compared with final diagnosis and outcome in the patient's medical chart. Results: Five biopsies had only nevus cells, whereas ulterior clinical data or histopathologic examinations were compatible with the diagnosis of malignant melanoma. One biopsy contained insufficient sample tissue. Four biopsies confirmed clinical suspicion of iris melanoma. Conclusion: In the current case series, 6 out of 10 biopsies provided a falsely reassuring negative or an inconclusive result. Modern management techniques such as ultrasound biomicroscopy and proton therapy of the whole anterior segment have equally diminished indications for a biopsy. In cases clinically evocative of iris melanoma, a biopsy has only a relative value.

Author Contacts

Dr. Ann Schalenbourg
Jules Gonin Eye Hospital, University of Lausanne
Av. de France 15
CH-1004 Lausanne (Switzerland)
Tel. +41 21 626 8111, Fax +41 21 626 8889, E-Mail ann.schalenbourg@ophtal.vd.ch

Article Information

Received: April 16, 2007
Accepted after revision: August 13, 2007
Published online: April 25, 2008
Number of Print Pages : 6
Number of Figures : 3, Number of Tables : 2, Number of References : 16

Medline Abstract (ID 18437037)

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