title: Conjunctival lymphoma masquerading as chronic conjunctivitis.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Malignant lesions of the conjunctiva may present with slowly evolving signs resembling inflammation. The authors describe the clinical and histopathologic findings of two patients with bilateral conjunctival lymphoma who presented with a history of chronic conjunctivitis without clinically noticeable subconjunctival nodules.
  
  
  METHODS
  Case report.
  
  
  METHODS
  Two patients.
  
  
  METHODS
  Both patients underwent conjunctival biopsy for evaluation of persistent conjunctival inflammation that did not respond to various medical treatment methods.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Histopathologic examination revealed extranodal marginal zone B-cell lymphoma (mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue type) in one patient and follicle center lymphoma in the other patient. Both patients subsequently received radiation therapy and achieved a complete remission with no evidence of recurrence in the follow-up period of 20 and 16 months, respectively.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Conjunctival lymphoma should be included in the differential diagnoses of chronic conjunctivitis. Persisting signs and symptoms of conjunctivitis not responding to standard treatment should prompt biopsy.
authors: Ocular Immunology Service, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Harvard Medical School, Boston 02114, USA.
authors: E K
authors: EK
authors: Akpek
authors: W
authors: W
authors: Polcharoen
authors: J A
authors: JA
authors: Ferry
authors: C S
authors: CS
authors: Foster
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001706:Biopsy; D002908:Chronic Disease; D003230:Conjunctival Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology*; D003231:Conjunctivitis / Q000473:pathology*; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D018442:Lymphoma, B-Cell, Marginal Zone / Q000473:pathology* / Q000532:radiotherapy; D008224:Lymphoma, Follicular / Q000473:pathology* / Q000532:radiotherapy; D008875:Middle Aged