Differentiation of pigmented conjunctival squamous cell carcinoma from melanoma

Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging. 2003 Sep-Oct;34(5):406-8.

Abstract

A 69-year-old man developed a pigmented conjunctival tumor that had a papillomatous vascular configuration but no leukoplakia. Although the pigmentation suggested melanoma clinically, histopathologic study of the resected lesion disclosed squamous cell carcinoma, with scattered dendritic melanocytes in the tumor. Conjunctival squamous cell carcinoma can be pigmented, similar to melanoma. The papillomatous arrangement of blood vessels in such tumors should strongly suggest squamous cell carcinoma despite the absence of leukoplakia.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / pathology*
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / surgery
  • Conjunctiva / pathology*
  • Conjunctiva / surgery
  • Conjunctival Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Conjunctival Neoplasms / surgery
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Melanoma / pathology*
  • Melanoma / surgery
  • Ophthalmologic Surgical Procedures / methods*
  • Treatment Outcome