The eyelid may be biopsied for suspected neoplasia or inflammation.
Ophthalmologists should plan ahead. If they are resecting a neoplasm, are they performing an incisional biopsy (just to discover the nature of the lesion) or an excisional biopsy (which will require that the pathologist check margins). Noting the indications for biopsy on the pathology requisition slip may save the patient quite a bit of expense as one need not check margins for an incisional biopsy.
Most eyelid neoplasms involve the mucocutaneous junction of the eyelid. It is important that the histotechnician be certain that this landmark be included in the sections and not inadvertently shaved off when facing the block.
The pathologist who is not accustomed to dissecting eyelid specimens should remember that the mucocutaneous border of the eyelid must be represented in the section plane. To check the lateral margins of resection, the pathologist may wish to divide the specimen into at least thirds. In the sketch below, the lateral resection margins are marked with an asterisk (*).
If you have more questions about eyelid biopsy specimens, please contact one of us:
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