Conjunctival melanoma: a case study and literature review
Keywords:
CONJUNTIVA; DIAGNÓSTICO CLÍNICO; MELANOMA; NEOPLASIAS DE LA CONJUNTIVA; NEOPLASIAS DEL OJO., CONJUNCTIVA; CLINICAL DIAGNOSIS; MELANOMA; CONJUNCTIVAL NEOPLASMS; EYE NEOPLASMS., CONJUNTIVA; DIAGNÓSTICO CLÍNICO; MELANOMA; NEOPLASIAS DA TÚNICA CONJUNTIVA; NEOPLASIAS OCULARES.Abstract
Introduction: conjunctival melanoma is a rare but highly aggressive ocular neoplasm, characterized by high recurrence and risk of systemic metastasis.
Objective: to present the diagnosis and treatment of a clinical case of conjunctival melanoma in an elderly patient.
Case presentation: an 82-year-old male patient, resident of ambato, with no relevant medical history, presented with rapidly growing conjunctival tumor in the right eye. Biopsy revealed non-keratinized stratified squamous epithelium with nests of hyperchromatic polygonal cells, severe pleomorphism, and brown pigment, confirming malignant conjunctival melanoma with compromised margins. Treatment consisted of surgical removal of the eyeball, due to tumor extension and resection involvement. Histopathological analysis showed melanocytic proliferation with a high mitotic index and presence of melanophages. Post-surgical evolution was favorable, although the risk of recurrence and metastasis remains high.
Conclusions: this case highlights the importance of timely diagnosis through biopsy and the need for radical treatments in advanced lesions. Surgical excision remains the most effective option to reduce recurrences and preserve survival.
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