title: Spontaneous regression of a conjunctival malignant melanoma.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Conjunctival malignant melanoma (MM) is a rare malignancy and accounts for 2% of all ocular malignancies. We describe what we believe to be the first reported case of complete spontaneous regression of a conjunctival malignant melanoma.
  
  
  METHODS
  A 75-year-old female presented with a large, pigmented lesion in her left lower fornix. Histopathology revealed a mixed cell type MM. The tumour regressed spontaneously. Now, 6 years after she first presented, she remains well and there is no sign of recurrence or metastasis.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Spontaneous regression is not always synonymous with complete cure from the underlying disease but may represent a temporary regression due to host protective mechanisms. In our patient regression and cure were complete.
authors.affiliation: Department of Ophthalmology, Salisbury District Hospital, NHS Foundation Trust , Salisbury , United Kingdom and.
authors.forename: Christina V
authors.initials: CV
authors.lastname: Miller
authors.forename: Ian S
authors.initials: IS
authors.lastname: Cook
authors.forename: Rama
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Jayaramachandran
authors.forename: Anthony G
authors.initials: AG
authors.lastname: Tyers
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor / Q000378:metabolism; D003230:Conjunctival Neoplasms / Q000378:metabolism / Q000503:physiopathology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008545:Melanoma / Q000378:metabolism / Q000503:physiopathology*; D009365:Neoplasm Regression, Spontaneous
chemical_list: D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor