Clinical Image
Conjunctival melanoma is a relatively rare malignant tumor [1]. This observation suggests the role of trauma in the occurrence of melanomas [2].
We report a case of 54-year-old man with a history of perforating ocular trauma 20 years ago, occasioning a conjunctivo-scleral wound of the right eye, sutured without any complications. Recently he was referred for a conjunctival lesion since 4 months.
The ophthalmological examination found a pigmented mass in the bulbar-nasal conjunctiva of the right eye. This lesion develops at the same site of the previous ocular trauma. It has a polylobulated appearance, and richly vascularized with soft consistency (Figure 1). CT scan of the orbital region shows no intraocular extension.
Figure 1: Nodular conjunctival malignant melanoma in the upper nasal
quadrant of the bulbar conjunctiva. Before and after surgical resection.
Considering the strongly malignant aspect a complete resection was performed. The procedure is completed by the cryo-application of the excision bed and Chemotherapy (Figure 1).
The histological examination revealed a conjunctival malignant melanoma measuring 0.7x0.4x0.3 cm (Figure 2). Radiological assessment of extraocular extension has returned to normal. The evolution is favourable with a 2-year follow-up.
Download PDF