Choroidal biopsies; a review and optimised approach

The majority of choroidal tumours are diagnosed accurately with clinical examination and the additional data obtained from non-invasive imaging techniques. Choroidal biopsies may be undertaken for diagnostic clarity in cases such as small melanocytic or indeterminate lesions, identifying the primary tumour in the case of choroidal metastases or the subclassification of rarer conditions such as uveal lymphoma. There is however an increasing use of biopsy techniques for prognostication in uveal melanoma. This review explores the main indications and surgical techniques for tumour acquisition, and the optimised approach utilised by the current authors to improve successful yield for histological and genetic analysis.

Automated summary

The majority of choroidal tumors can be accurately diagnosed using clinical examination and non-invasive imaging techniques. However, biopsies may be required for diagnostic clarity in certain cases, such as small melanocytic or indeterminate lesions, choroidal metastases, or rarer conditions like uveal lymphoma. There is also an increasing use of biopsy techniques for prognostication in uveal melanoma. This review explores the main indications and surgical techniques for tumor acquisition, as well as an optimized approach to improve successful yield for histological and genetic analysis.