Abstract
Purpose::
Conjunctival squamous cell carcinoma (SCCA) is a very uncommon cancer in the anophthalmic socket. We report 2 patients in whom SCCA developed in their anophthalmic socket more than 44 years after enucleation and chronic use of an ocular prosthesis.
Methods::
The clinical records, histopathologic sections, and the surgical records in each case were reviewed.
Results::
There was no history of cigarette smoking, or exposure to HIV or HPV. The presenting symptoms included new onset of discharge and a poor fitting prosthesis. Both patients had invasive SCCA of the anophthalmic socket with primary involvement of the bulbar conjunctiva confirmed via a biopsy. Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated extension of tumor into the deep orbital tissues. In each case the eyelid skin and palpebral conjunctiva were not involved. The systemic metastatic work-up including ultrasonography of the regional lymph nodes were negative. Both patients underwent an orbital exenteration after the diagnosis of invasive conjunctival SCCA was established.
Conclusions::
In these 2 patients with anophthalmic socket and full-time prosthesis wear for over 40 years, chronic irritation and contact with the ocular prosthesis may be a putative risk factor for development of conjunctival SCCA. Regular examination of the anophthalmic socket in chronic prosthesis users is prudent to detect conjunctival SCCA at the earliest possible stage.
Keywords: tumors • conjunctiva • orbit