Melanocytic nevi of the palpebral conjunctiva. An extremely rare location usually signifying melanoma.
Nevi of the conjunctiva generally develop during the first 2 decades of life, and are almost entirely restricted to the epibulbar surface, the plica, the caruncle, and the lid margin. Therefore, any elevated pigmented lesion of the forniceal or tarsal conjunctiva acquired later in life must be regarded with suspicion as a melanoma or melanoma precursor, and a biopsy should be done routinely. This report is, to the best of the authors' knowledge, the first histopathologic documentation of nevi located in the palpebral conjunctiva. One nevus was acquired and the other was probably congenital.
Buckman
G
G
Department of Ophthalmology, Manhattan Eye, Ear & Throat Hospital, New York, NY 10021.
Jakobiec
F A
FA
Folberg
R
R
McNally
L M
LM
D001706:Biopsy; D003230:Conjunctival Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology*; D005143:Eyelids; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008544:Melanocytes / Q000473:pathology; D008545:Melanoma / Q000175:diagnosis; D008875:Middle Aged; D009508:Nevus, Pigmented / Q000151:congenital / Q000473:pathology*