[Conjunctival primary acquired melanosis].
BACKGROUND
Pigmented lesions of the conjunctiva may represent primary acquired melanosis. If histological examination reveals atypical melanocytes in the epithelial layer of the conjunctiva, there is a close to 50% risk of transformation to a conjunctival malignant melanoma. A combination of surgical excision and cryotherapy is the most widely recommended treatment for conjunctival primary acquired melanosis with atypia. Recently, topical chemotherapy with mitomycin-C eye drops has been established as a therapeutic option.


METHODS
Based on two case reports and a review of the literature, clinical aspects and the use of topical chemotherapy are presented.


CONCLUSIONS
Pigmented conjunctival lesions arising in adults may represent primary acquired melanosis with atypia. In patients with large or multiple pigmentations, extensive surgery with cryotherapy is necessary. In such circumstances, topical chemotherapy with mitomycin-C eye drops is a good alternative and may lead to complete regression, as in our two patients.
Krohn
Jørgen
J
Øyeavdelingen, Haukeland Universitetssjukehus, 5021 Bergen. jorgen.krohn@helse-bergen.no
Monge
Odd R
OR
D000368:Aged; D000903:Antibiotics, Antineoplastic / Q000008:administration & dosage; D003229:Conjunctival Diseases / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D003230:Conjunctival Neoplasms / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology; D017679:Cryotherapy; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008545:Melanoma / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology; D008548:Melanosis / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D008875:Middle Aged; D016685:Mitomycin / Q000008:administration & dosage; D009883:Ophthalmic Solutions / Q000008:administration & dosage
D000903:Antibiotics, Antineoplastic; D009883:Ophthalmic Solutions; D016685:Mitomycin