Fuchs Adenoma

Fuchs adenoma, derived from the inner layer of the optic cup, is an acquired, age-related benign tumor of the nonpigmented ciliary epithelium. It often goes undetected clinically unless it reaches significant size but is often identified on autopsy examination of eyes of older adults. It occasionally may be associated with sectoral cataract and may mimic other iris or ciliary body neoplasms. Histologically, Fuchs adenoma consists of hyperplastic nonpigmented ciliary epithelium arranged in sheets and tubules (Fig 11-50), with alternating areas of PAS-positive basement membrane material.

• Shields JA, Eagle RC Jr, Ferguson K, Shields CL. Tumors of the nonpigmented epithelium of the ciliary body: the Lorenz E. Zimmerman tribute lecture. Retina. 2015;35(5):957–965.

Excerpted from BCSC 2020-2021 series: Section 4 - Ophthalmic Pathology and Intraocular Tumors. For more information and to purchase the entire series, please visit https://www.aao.org/bcsc.