Needle Aspiration Biopsy (needle + aspiration_biopsy)

Distribution by Scientific Domains

Kinds of Needle Aspiration Biopsy

  • fine needle aspiration biopsy


  • Selected Abstracts


    Thyroid Fine Needle Aspiration Biopsy: Maximizing the Yield

    THE LARYNGOSCOPE, Issue S3 2010
    J. Tee Todd B.S.
    No abstract is available for this article. [source]


    Hormone receptor status in breast cancer , a comparison between surgical specimens and fine needle aspiration biopsies

    CYTOPATHOLOGY, Issue 3 2003
    L. Löfgren
    The present study was performed to evaluate the immunocytochemical analysis (ICA) of oestrogen (ER) and progesterone receptor (PR) in fine needle aspiration (FNA) biopsies from primary breast cancers as compared with the established enzyme immunoassays (ER-EIA and PR-EIA) based on cytosol homogenates from the corresponding resected tumour specimens. A total of 967 primary breast cancers were assessed for ER and PR content by both methods. Correlations between EIA and ICA expressed as percentage of tumour cells with a positive staining were highly significant (P < 0.001) for ER and PR. Staining intensity yielded only limited additional information. The concordance between the two techniques was about 80%. Evaluation of biological parameters by FNA may be useful to decide the optimal treatment for breast cancer patients. [source]


    A prospective study of the diagnostic accuracy of cytological criteria in the FNAB diagnosis of breast papillomas

    DIAGNOSTIC CYTOPATHOLOGY, Issue 8 2007
    Andrew Field M.B., F.R.C.P.A.
    Abstract Seventy-four fine needle aspiration biopsies (FNAB) of breast were selected from the 133 cases with surgical biopsy follow up, from a total of 1,154 consecutive breast FNAB received in a 6-month-period. These 74 cases were reviewed and scored using all relevant cytological criteria for proliferative breast lesions used in our recent retrospective study, without reference to the original cytological and surgical biopsy diagnoses. Of the 42 criteria scored, 13 had a statistically significant association between the cytology score and the presence or absence of a papilloma (PAP), and the sensitivities, specificities and positive predictive values (PPV) of these individual criteria, or a combination of criteria, were derived. It was found that stellate and meshwork tissue fragments and papillary fragments were all highly specific (0.98) for the diagnosis of PAP, with meshwork fragments having the highest PPV (0.93). Stellate fragments (0.41) and papillary fragments (0.24) were less sensitive not only because they occurred less often, but also because they were present in smaller numbers. The presence of a proteinaceous background with macrophages and siderophages or a moderate to marked number of apocrine sheets were useful indicators only when coexisting with at least one of the above three features. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2007;35:465,475. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]


    Head and neck cancer patients with pulmonary nodules: Value and role of CT-guided transthoracic needle aspiration biopsies

    HEAD & NECK: JOURNAL FOR THE SCIENCES & SPECIALTIES OF THE HEAD AND NECK, Issue 11 2003
    Benoît Mesurolle MD
    Abstract Background. To evaluate transthoracic needle aspiration biopsies of pulmonary lesions in patients with squamous cell cancer of head and neck. Methods. Retrospective series of 85 patients with squamous cell cancer of head and neck cancer and pulmonary nodules who underwent CT-guided needle aspiration biopsy. Results. Diagnostic samples were obtained in 85% of patients. There were 8 benign and 77 malignant lesions. Among the 73 proved cases, 4 were false-negative cases. CT-guided biopsy had an accuracy of 81%, a sensitivity of 94%, and a negative predictive value of 60%. Accuracies were 68% for lesions of 20 mm or smaller and 89% for lesions greater than 20 mm. In a subset of 45 solitary lesions, among 30 positive biopsies, 15 were categorized as primary malignancies, 3 as metastatic, and 12 as indeterminate malignancies. Conclusions. In head and neck cancer patients, the prevalence of thoracic malignancies is high when a pulmonary lesion is detected. CT-guided biopsy of pulmonary lesion is an accurate procedure. However, a third of positive biopsies were categorized as indeterminate malignancies. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 25: 000,000, 2003 [source]


    Dielectric cell separation of fine needle aspirates from tumor xenografts

    JOURNAL OF SEPARATION SCIENCE, JSS, Issue 21 2008
    Massimo Cristofanilli
    Abstract As an approach to isolating tumor cells from fine needle biopsy specimens, we investigated a dielectric cell preparation method using an in vivo xenographic tumor model. Cultured human MDA-MB-435 tumor cells were grown as solid tumors in nude mice and fine needle aspiration biopsies were conducted. Biopsied cells were suspended in sucrose medium and collected on slides patterned with microelectrode arrays (electrosmears) energized by electrical signals in the range 10 to 960 kHz. The unlabeled cells adhered to characteristic regions of the slides in accordance with their morphology as a result of dielectric forces. Tumor cells were trapped between 40 and 60 kHz and were separated according to whether they were mitotic, large and complex, or small. Damaged tumor cells were captured at between 60 and 120 kHz; granulocytes between 70 and 90 kHz; lymphocytes between 85 and 105 kHz; healthy erythrocytes between 140 and 180 kHz, and damaged erythrocytes above 180 kHz. Using intrinsic cell characteristics, the electrosmear presented cell subpopulations from fine needle aspiration biopsy specimens in a manner that is compatible with automated slide-based analysis systems. The approach has the potential to facilitate the analysis of the role of cell subpopulations in disease. [source]


    Diagnostic value of pyrosequencing for the BRAFV600E mutation in ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration biopsy samples of thyroid incidentalomas

    CLINICAL ENDOCRINOLOGY, Issue 1 2009
    Young Suk Jo
    Summary Context, Dideoxy sequencing is the most commonly used method for detecting the BRAFV600E mutation in thyroid cancer and melanoma. However, this gold standard method often makes less definite results in detecting the BRAFV600E mutation when there are relatively low amounts of the mutant template in biopsy specimens, which are invariably contaminated with normal tissues. Pyrosequencing, which measures the incorporation of each of the four nucleotides at each template position and indicates the amounts of mutant template present, may be more useful in such situations. Objective, To investigate the diagnostic efficiency of pyrosequencing for the mutant BRAF allele in ultrasound (US)-guided fine needle aspiration biopsies (FNABs) of thyroid incidentalomas. Design, setting and subjects, A total of 101 thyroid incidentaloma cases were included prospectively. Cytological diagnoses of the FNAB samples were made according to the American Thyroid Association (ATA) guidelines, 2006. The presence of the BRAFV600E mutation was investigated by pyrosequencing and dideoxy sequencing. Results, On the basis of cytological analysis, the thyroid incidentalomas were classified into benign (n = 43), malignant (n = 30), indeterminate or suspicious neoplasm (n = 24), and nondiagnostic (n = 4) categories. Pyrosequencing detected the BRAFV600E mutation in 30 cases: 22 malignant cases, 7 indeterminate cases, and 1 nondiagnostic case. Dideoxy sequencing also detected the BRAFV600E mutation in 28 of the same cases but failed to clearly distinguish the mutant allele from the wild-type allele in one indeterminate case and one nondiagnostic case. Histopathological analysis ascertained that all BRAFV600E -positive cases were papillary thyroid carcinomas. Conclusions, Pyrosequencing may be suitable for detecting the BRAFV600E mutation in thyroid incidentaloma and may be superior to dideoxy sequencing when low amounts of the mutant template are present in the biopsy. [source]


    NON-GYNAECOLOGICAL CYTOLOGY: THE CLINICIAN'S VIEW

    CYTOPATHOLOGY, Issue 2006
    I. Penman
    There is increased recognition of the importance of accurate staging of malignancies of the GI tract and lung, greater use of neoadjuvant therapies and more protocol-driven management. This is particularly important where regional lymph node involvement significantly impacts on curability. Multidetector CT and PET scanning have resulted in greater detection of potential abnormalities which, if positive for malignancy, would change management. There is also a greater recognition that many enlarged nodes may be inflammatory and that size criteria alone are unreliable in determining involvement. In other situations, especially pancreatic masses, not all represent carcinoma as focal chronic pancreatitis, autoimmune pancreatitis etc can catch out the unwary. A preoperative tissue diagnosis is essential and even if unresectable, oncologists are increasingly reluctant to initiate chemotherapy or enroll patients into trials without this. The approach to obtaining tissue is often hampered by the small size or relative inaccessibility of lesions by percutaneous approaches. As such novel techniques such as endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) guided FNA have been developed. A 120cm needle is passed through the instrument and, under real-time visualisation, through the gastrointestinal wall to sample adjacent lymph nodes or masses. Multiple studies have demonstrated the safety and performance of this technique. In oesophageal cancer, confirmation of node positivity by has a major negative influence on curative resection rates and will often lead to a decision to use neoadjuvant chemotherapy or a non-operative approach. Sampling of lymph nodes at the true coeliac axis upstages the patient to M1a status (stage IV) disease and makes the patient incurable. In NSCLC, subcarinal lymph nodes are frequently present but may be inflammatory. If positive these represent N2 (stage IIIA) disease and in most centres again makes the patient inoperable. Access to these lymph nodes would otherwise require mediastinosocopy whereas this can be done simply, safely and quickly by EUS. Overall the sensitivity for EUS , FNA of mediastinal or upper abdominal lymph nodes is 83,90% with an accuracy of 80,90%. In pancreatic cancer performance is less good but pooled analysis of published studies indicates a sensitivity of 85% and accuracy of 88%. In a recent spin-off from EUS, endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) instruments have been developed and the ability to sample anterior mediastinal nodes has been demonstrated. It is likely that this EBUS , FNA technique will become increasingly utilised and may replace mediastinoscopy. The development of techniques such as EUS and EBUS to allow FNA sampling of lesions has increased the role of non-gynaecological cytology significantly in recent years. Cytology therefore remains important for a broad range of specialties and there is ongoing need for careful and close co-operation between cytologists and clinicians in these specialties. References:, 1. Williams DB, Sahai AV, Aabakken L, Penman ID, van Velse A, Webb J et al. Endoscopic ultrasound guided fine needle aspiration biopsy: a large single centre experience. Gut. 1999; 44: 720,6. 2. Silvestri GA, Hoffman BJ, Bhutani MS et al. Endoscopic ultrasound with fine-needle aspiration in the diagnosis and staging of lung cancer. Ann Thorac Surg 1996; 61: 1441,6. 3. Rintoul RC, Skwarski KM, Murchison JT, Wallace WA, Walker WS, Penman ID. Endobronchial and endoscopic ultrasound real-time fine-needle aspiration staging of the mediastinum ). Eur Resp J 2005; 25: 1,6. [source]


    Fine-needle aspiration biopsy: A historical overview

    DIAGNOSTIC CYTOPATHOLOGY, Issue 11 2008
    Marilin Rosa M.D.
    Abstract Fine needle aspiration biopsy is a safe, inexpensive and accurate technique for the diagnosis of benign and malignant conditions. Its increase in popularity in the present days has made it a technique used on daily basis in the majority of medical centers in United States and around the world. However, the situation was not always like this. In its beginnings the procedure suffered from all kinds of criticism and attacks. The purpose of this manuscript is to provide an overview about the development of this technique from its birth to our days. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2008;36:773,775. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]


    Metastatic hepatocellular carcinoma to the mandible masquerading as a parotid gland mass: A potential pitfall in the diagnosis by fine needle aspiration biopsy

    DIAGNOSTIC CYTOPATHOLOGY, Issue 10 2007
    Liying Han M.D., Ph.D.
    No abstract is available for this article. [source]


    Fine needle aspiration biopsy of epithelioid hemangioendothelioma of the oral cavity: Report of one case and review of literature

    DIAGNOSTIC CYTOPATHOLOGY, Issue 3 2006
    Guo-Xia Tong M.D., Ph.D.
    Abstract Epithelioid hemangioendothelioma (EHE) is an uncommon vascular tumor with biological behavior intermediate between hemangioma and angiosarcoma. It rarely occurs in the oral cavity. We report a case of an 81-yr-old woman with a 2-mo history of a 2 × 2 cm2 submucosal buccal mass. Fine needle aspiration (FNA) smears were paucicellular and showed mainly single atypical large epithelioid cells in a bloody background. The atypical cells had abundant dense cytoplasm, some with fine vacuoles. Occasionally, cells with large cytoplasmic lumina were seen. Cytology preparations from fresh tissue received for frozen section revealed numerous neoplastic cells with large intracytoplasmic lumina, some of which contained red blood cells. In addition, cells with distinct intranuclear inclusions were present. Histologic sections and immunohistochemical stains confirmed the diagnosis of EHE. Although the histologic features of EHE are well recognized, reports of FNA cytology findings are sparsely existent in the literature as several case reports. The characteristic cytological features of EHE are reviewed in this report. We believe that the diagnosis of this rare tumor can be suggested when an adequate FNA specimen is obtained. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2006;34:218,223. © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]


    Desmoplastic round cell tumor of childhood: Can cytology with immunocytochemistry serve as an alternative for tissue diagnosis?

    DIAGNOSTIC CYTOPATHOLOGY, Issue 6 2005
    Dr Brijal Dave M.D.
    Abstract There are limited reports on the cytology of desmoplastic small round cell tumors (DSRCT). Fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) findings in seven aspirates from four cases of histologically and immunohistochemically confirmed cases were analyzed with the main intention of ascertaining if cytological diagnosis of DSRCT is possible. Also assessed were the immunocytochemistry(ICC) findings in these cases. The basic cytological impression was that of a cohesive small round cell tumor. Nuclei showed granular chromatin with grooves, nuclear molding and inconspicuous nucleoli. Stromal fragments were noted in all four cases. In two cases, awareness of cytological features in the appropriate clinical context led to a suggestion of the diagnosis of DSRCT on cytology itself. ICC on destained smears showed positivity for cytokeratin, epithelial membrane antigen (EMA), desmin and WT-1 in two cases. In conclusion, given the right clinical setting, a cytological diagnosis of DSRCT is plausible and in conjunction with ICC may help in documenting the polyphenotypic nature and thereby confirming the diagnosis. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2005;32:330,335. © 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]


    Head and neck cancer patients with pulmonary nodules: Value and role of CT-guided transthoracic needle aspiration biopsies

    HEAD & NECK: JOURNAL FOR THE SCIENCES & SPECIALTIES OF THE HEAD AND NECK, Issue 11 2003
    Benoît Mesurolle MD
    Abstract Background. To evaluate transthoracic needle aspiration biopsies of pulmonary lesions in patients with squamous cell cancer of head and neck. Methods. Retrospective series of 85 patients with squamous cell cancer of head and neck cancer and pulmonary nodules who underwent CT-guided needle aspiration biopsy. Results. Diagnostic samples were obtained in 85% of patients. There were 8 benign and 77 malignant lesions. Among the 73 proved cases, 4 were false-negative cases. CT-guided biopsy had an accuracy of 81%, a sensitivity of 94%, and a negative predictive value of 60%. Accuracies were 68% for lesions of 20 mm or smaller and 89% for lesions greater than 20 mm. In a subset of 45 solitary lesions, among 30 positive biopsies, 15 were categorized as primary malignancies, 3 as metastatic, and 12 as indeterminate malignancies. Conclusions. In head and neck cancer patients, the prevalence of thoracic malignancies is high when a pulmonary lesion is detected. CT-guided biopsy of pulmonary lesion is an accurate procedure. However, a third of positive biopsies were categorized as indeterminate malignancies. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 25: 000,000, 2003 [source]


    Thyroid tumor marker genomics and proteomics: Diagnostic and clinical implications

    JOURNAL OF CELLULAR PHYSIOLOGY, Issue 3 2010
    Angelo Carpi
    Two systems biology concepts, genomics and proteomics, are highlighted in this review. These techniques are implemented to optimize the use of thyroid tumor markers (TTM). Tissue microarray studies can produce genetic maps and proteomics, patterns of protein expression of TTM derived from preoperative biopsies and specimens. For instance, papillary and medullary thyroid cancers harbor RAS, RET, and BRAF genetic mutations. Follicular thyroid cancers harbor translocations and fusions of certain genes (PAX 8 and PPAR-gamma). Proteomic analysis from various tissue sources can provide useful information regarding the overall state of a thyroid cancer cell. Understanding the molecular events related to these genetic and protein alterations can potentially clarify thyroid cancer pathogenesis and guide appropriate molecular targeted therapies. However, despite the realization that these emerging technologies hold great promise, there are still significant obstacles to the routine use of TTM. These include equivocal thyroid nodule tissue morphologic interpretations, inadequate standardization of methods, and monetary costs. Interpretative shortcomings are frequently due to the relative scarcity of cellular material from fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) specimens. This can be rectified with large needle aspiration biopsy (LNAB) techniques and is exemplified by the favorable performance of galectin-3 determinations on LNAB specimens. J. Cell. Physiol. 224: 612,619, 2010. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]


    Prognostic and predictive value of HER2/neu oncogene in breast cancer

    MICROSCOPY RESEARCH AND TECHNIQUE, Issue 2 2002
    Shahla Masood
    Abstract Assessment of HER2/neu oncogene has been used as both a prognostic and predictive marker for breast cancer. However, the choice of the best method to assess the status of HER2/neu oncogene in breast cancer tissue remains controversial. A variety of techniques are available to detect HER2/neu gene amplification and overexpression. Tissue-based detection methods by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and/or fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) offers a clear advantage over other approaches. FISH is a costly and relatively difficult assay and yet appears to be a better predictor of response to Herceptin® (Trastuzumab) therapy and patient outcome. IHC is less expensive and is easier to perform; however, it suffers from a high rate of false negativity and positivity as well as inter-observer variability among pathologists. Suggestions have been made to use IHC as a screening procedure followed by confirmation by FISH in selected cases. Considering the importance of an accurate assessment of HER2/neu oncogene in selecting therapy, a better alternative may be to use FISH as the primary testing for HER2/neu oncogene. Herceptin® therapy is associated with several side effects and is expensive. Thus, in the long term, it may be more cost-effective to use the FISH procedure and reduce the possibility of under-treatment or over-treatment of breast cancer patients. In addition, assessment of HER2/neu oncogene on every newly diagnosed early breast carcinoma may not be necessary. Metastatic lesions, when they occur, can be sampled by fine needle aspiration biopsy or core needle biopsy for assessment of HER2/Neu status. Microsc. Res. Tech. 59:102,108, 2002. © 2002 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]


    The Use of Stereotaxic Core Biopsy and Stereotaxic Aspiration Biopsy as Diagnostic Tools in the Evaluation of Mammary Calcification

    THE BREAST JOURNAL, Issue 6 2000
    Joan F. Cangiarella MD
    Abstract: We compared stereotaxic fine needle aspiration biopsy (SFNA) with stereotaxic core needle biopsy (SCB) in the evaluation of radiographically clustered mammary microcalcification, a common finding at screening mammography. Over a 4-year period, 181 specimens were obtained from 175 patients who underwent both SFNA and SCB of clustered microcalcification. Aspiration and core biopsies were performed by radiologists at a community-based diagnostic radiology facility. All aspiration smears were air dried, stained on site, and assessed for adequacy by the radiologists, then sent to the cytopathologists at New York University for interpretation. Core biopsy specimens were formalin fixed, paraffin embedded, hematoxylin and eosin stained, and interpreted by surgical pathologists at a community hospital. Of 181 SFNA specimens, 133 (74%) were benign, 18 (10%) were atypical, 13 (7%) were suspicious, and 16 (9%) were malignant. One (0.5%) aspiration biopsy was nondiagnostic. Excisional biopsies were performed after 12 benign SFNAs and in 46 of the 47 cases with an atypical, suspicious, or malignant diagnosis on SFNA. Mammographic follow-up in 111 of the 133 cases (92%) diagnosed as benign showed no radiologic change (mean 29.2 months, range 6,60 months). The false-negative rate for cancer was 4% (6 cases) for SFNA alone. There were no false-positive diagnoses for SFNA. There was one false-positive diagnosis on core biopsy [focal cribriform ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS)], which at excisional biopsy and correlation with the core biopsy was diagnosed as ductal hyperplasia; the false-negative rate for cancer was 8% (13 cases) for SCB alone. Aspiration biopsy identified calcification in 180 procedures, core needle biopsy revealed calcification in 170. SFNA was superior to SCB for the confirmation of clustered mammary microcalcification (99% versus 94%) and in the identification of cancer associated with microcalcification (false negative rate of 4% versus 8%). Patients with benign findings on stereotaxic aspiration and core biopsy can reasonably be followed mammographically. [source]


    Soft tissue sarcomas and mast cell tumours in dogs; clinical behaviour and response to surgery

    AUSTRALIAN VETERINARY JOURNAL, Issue 12 2003
    M BAKER-GABBy
    Objective To characterise the types of canine soft tissue sarcoma and mast cell tumour treated surgically at the University Veterinary Centre, Sydney. To evaluate the success of surgical treatment of these tumours and identify variables predictive of local recurrence and survival. To establish whether conclusions drawn from previous international studies are applicable to the University Veterinary Centre, Sydney, dog population and vice versa. Design Clinical presentation and results of surgical excision of 54 soft tissue sarcomas and 70 mast cell tumours affecting the trunk and limbs of dogs at the University Veterinary Centre, Sydney, between 1989 and 2001 were reviewed retrospectively. Results Cross-bred dogs and Rhodesian Ridgebacks were at significantly greater risk of developing soft tissue sarcomas, and Boxers, Australian Cattle Dogs and Staffordshire Bull Terriers were at significantly greater risk of developing mast cell tumours than other breeds. Fine needle aspiration biopsy yielded a correct diagnosis in 62.5% of soft tissue sarcomas and 96% of mast cell tumours. Local recurrence was encountered after surgical excision in 7.4% of soft tissue sarcomas and 7.3% of mast cell tumours. Metastasis occurred in 6% of soft tissue sarcomas and 12% of mast cell tumours. The most significant risk factors for local recurrence were contaminated surgical margins (soft tissue sarcomas) and histological grade (mast cell tumours). Due to the low number of animals experiencing metastasis, no conclusions could be drawn about significant risk factors. Conclusions Aggressive surgical management of soft tissue sarcomas and mast cell tumours is associated with a low incidence of local recurrence. The type, location and behaviour of mast cell tumours and soft tissue sarcomas in the population of dogs presented to the University Veterinary Centre, Sydney are similar to those reported by others. [source]


    4261: FNA biopsies for genomic analysis and adjuvant therapy for uveal melanoma

    ACTA OPHTHALMOLOGICA, Issue 2010
    L DESJARDINS
    Purpose Recent changes in the management of uveal melanoma include the use of biopsies for genomic analysis and the identification of patients with a high risk of metastasis. We wish to describe our first experience with fine needle aspiration (FNA), genome profiling and adjuvant therapy protocol for high risk patients Methods we have started a multicentric adjuvant phase III trial of intravenous fotemustine (FOTEADJ) for high risk uveal melanoma patients. Patients with tumor of 15 mm or more in diameter with retinal detachment or extrascleral extension, patients with tumors of 18 mm or more in diameter and patients with loss of chromosome 3 and gain of entire 8q were considered high risk and eligible. Tumour genome profiling was achieved by array-CGH on a NimbleGen 72K microarray, after whole genome amplification (WGA) in cases of FNAs Local treatment consisted in enucleation or proton beam radiotherapy. FNA was offered to patients treated by radiotherapy for a tumor of 5 mm of thickness or more. Results Between May 2009 and May 2010, 74 patients were offered to participate. Only 16 patients were included because of various reasons: technical problems with the biopsy (13 samples evaluable out of 26 FNA), refusal of the biopsy or the protocol or non inclusion criteria. There has been some improvement in our results since the introduction of WGA for FNA specimens Conclusion Proposing fine needle aspiration biopsy and obtaining sufficient material is not always easy. Including patients in randomized protocols is always a challenge. During the first year for FOTEADJ, only 22% of the eligible patients were enrolled but this percentage is greatly improving with time and experience . [source]


    Cytogenetic profile of locally invasive posterior uveal melanoma

    ACTA OPHTHALMOLOGICA, Issue 2009
    R PARROZZANI
    Purpose To analyze cytogenetic profile of locally invasive posterior uveal melanoma (UM). Methods Twenty consecutive cases of large posterior UM with histopathologically confirmed extrascleral extension were included in this non-comparative cases series. Fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) of the intraocular tumor portion was performed using 25-gauge trans-scleral approach, immediately after enucleation of the globe. FNAB of the extrascleral tumor portion was also performed when it was > 1mm in thickness. Sampled material underwent fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). Follow-up was longer than 12 months. Results Six tumors (30%) had both intraocular and extraocular tumor samplings, whereas 14 tumors (70%) showed extrascleral extension less than 1 mm in thickness. Monosomy 3 was found in 5 tumors (25%), whereas disomy 3 in 15 tumors (75%). Cytogenetic profile of the intraocular tumor portion appears to be maintained in the extrascleral extension in all cases (100%). Five patients (25%) developed metastatic disease during follow-up (all had monosomy 3 tumors). Conclusion Extrascleral extension appears more frequent in disomy 3 tumors. Cytogenetic profile of locally invasive posterior UM is maintained in the extrascleral tumor portion and must be considered the most important prognostic factor in locally invasive tumors. [source]