Conjunctival mycosis masquerading as melanoma

Am J Ophthalmol. 2002 Jul;134(1):117-8. doi: 10.1016/s0002-9394(02)01473-3.

Abstract

Purpose: To report a patient with a melanotic lesion of the conjunctiva that mimicked melanoma but proved to be a fungal infection on biopsy.

Design: Interventional case report.

Methods: A 75-year-old white man was examined for a 3-month history of a deeply pigmented lesion of the conjunctiva at the limbus of the right eye that closely resembled conjunctival melanoma. The lesion was completely excised.

Results: Histologic examination revealed fungal elements without evidence of tumor.

Conclusion: Although rare, fungi should be included in the differential diagnosis of pigmented lesions of the conjunctiva.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Candida / isolation & purification
  • Candidiasis / diagnosis*
  • Candidiasis / microbiology
  • Conjunctival Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Conjunctival Diseases / microbiology
  • Conjunctival Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Eye Infections, Fungal / diagnosis*
  • Eye Infections, Fungal / microbiology
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Melanoma / diagnosis*