Malignant melanoma of the conjunctiva – successful surgical excision of the primary tumor and reconstruction by conjunctival auto transplantation from the contralateral eye

Int J Immunopathol Pharmacol. 2014 Oct-Dec;27(4):629-34. doi: 10.1177/039463201402700419.

Abstract

Malignant melanoma of the conjunctiva is a rare tumor with incidence of 0.5 cases/year per million population. It may also occur as de novo, as on the basis of preexisting melanocytic lesions (nevus or freckle) or most often from the so-called primary acquired melanosis of the conjuctiva (PAM). It metastasizes mainly lymphogenic and hematogenous. The size of the primary tumor lesion, histopathological findings and absolute tumor thickness are essential for unfavorable prognosis. Conjunctival auto transplantation from the other eye is modern and innovative, but also a seldomly feasible method of reconstruction after conjunctival excision of tumors in this area. We present a rare case of a 75-year-old patient with epithelioid cell malignant melanoma of the bulbar conjunctiva of the right eye, which de novo occurred, successfully treated by excision of the primary tumor and subsequent reconstruction by conjunctival auto transplant from the other eye. A very good therapeutic and aesthetic result was achieved.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Letter

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Conjunctiva / transplantation*
  • Conjunctival Neoplasms / surgery*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Melanoma / surgery*
  • Plastic Surgery Procedures
  • Transplantation, Autologous