S9

EYE - Conjunctival melanoma

Description
The conjunctiva is infiltrated and expanded in a nodular fashion by a lesion which shows a variable amount of pigment. The lesion extends to but not necessarily into one of the muscles of the eyeball. The lesion encroaches upon the iris.
History
This man presented at the age of 57 with a 2 year history of sore, photophobic, red eye. Examination showed an area of melanosis which was biopsied. The particular piece biopsied was benign. Further biopsies were taken 2 and 3 years later and in each instance the lesion was reported as malignant. There is gradual extension of the lesion through the conjunctiva and 5 years after presentation the eye was removed because of the extension and the presence of glaucoma.