Fine-needle aspiration biopsy of orbital and periorbital masses

We present the cytologic findings of 18 fine-needle aspirates performed on orbital and periorbital masses. An accurate specific diagnosis was confirmed by histology in ten cases. In eight cases the diagnostic evaluation and/or therapeutic regimen was significantly altered by the results of the fine-needle biopsy. In three cases the cytologic diagnoses obviated the need for open biopsy. Two specimens were insufficient for diagnosis. No false positive diagnosis of malignancy occurred. Electron microscopy was useful in three cases to confirm the correct cytologic diagnosis. Immunocytochemistry helped to define a lymphoid proliferation as monoclonal. The cytologic findings from an unusual case of sebaceous carcinoma are presented.