title: [Malignant melanoma of the conjunctiva].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Malignant melanoma of the conjunctiva is a rare tumour. Early disease stages may be difficult to distinguish from benign lesions such as pigmented nevi or primary acquired melanosis. We describe the therapeutic procedure and histological findings in two patients and review the epidemiology and pathogenesis of malignant conjunctival melanoma. Two female patients (84 and 85 years old, respectively) presented with a pigmented tumor close to the limbus with surrounding conjunctival pigmentation and involvement of the cornea.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Following complete excision of the tumour, conjunctival malignant melanoma arising from primary acquired melanosis was diagnosed histologically. Subsequent treatment with mitomycin C eye drops was initiated. There was no recurrence of the tumor within the follow-up period (24 and 6 months).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Patients with primary acquired melanosis need to be reviewed on a regular basis to detect malignant transformation at an early stage.
authors.affiliation: Universitäts-Augenklinik, Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn.
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Charbel Issa
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Meyer-ter-Vehn
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Guthoff
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Klink
authors.forename: F G
authors.initials: FG
authors.lastname: Holz
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Löffler
mesh_terms: D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003230:Conjunctival Neoplasms / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000473:pathology*; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008545:Melanoma / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000473:pathology*