[Conjunctival squamous cell carcinoma. Four cases reported in the French West Indies]

J Fr Ophtalmol. 2008 May;31(5):533.e1-5. doi: 10.1016/s0181-5512(08)72472-0.
[Article in French]

Abstract

We report four cases referred to the Ophthalmologic Department of the University Hospital Center of Fort de France for the therapeutic management of a conjunctival malignant tumor. All cases reported involved conjunctival squamous cell carcinoma. All tumors were unilateral, one was localized, another was recurrent, one occurred in a patient with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, and the last one was seen at the late stage of massive locoregional invasion. Three patients had surgery completed by corneolimbic cryotherapy. The last case was exentered. All of them consulted regularly. These four cases were collected over 5 years in approximately 15,000 patients examined per year in the University Hospital Center of Fort de France. Conjunctival squamous cell carcinoma is rare, even in Martinique, a tropical area. Careful attention to risk factors such as the sun exposure is recommended, as is the histologic diagnosis with any conjunctival tumour, since it changes quickly. The treatment must be adapted to the extension of the disease and to the patient's general health. The high rate of recurrence requires long-term follow-up in corneal and conjunctival intraepithelial neoplasia.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / pathology
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / therapy*
  • Combined Modality Therapy
  • Conjunctival Neoplasms / pathology
  • Conjunctival Neoplasms / therapy*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Recurrence
  • Sunlight / adverse effects
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Ultraviolet Rays / adverse effects