Abstract
Purpose :
Fitzpatrick skin type (FST) is an important determinant of risk for cutaneous melanoma. We conducted this study to determine the association of FST with conjunctival melanoma.
Methods :
We performed a retrospective case series of conjunctival melanoma from April 18, 1974 to September 9, 2019 at a single ocular oncology center. Patients were classified according to FST classification (Types I-VI) based on external facial photograph at initial presentation. Patients were excluded if there was lack of external facial photograph as FST could not be judged.
Results :
The FST was Type I (n=126, 23%), II (n=337, 62%), III (n=56, 10%), IV (n=8, 2%), V (n=12, 2%), and VI (n=1, <1%). A comparison (FST I vs. II vs. III, IV, V, and VI) revealed Types I and II associated with older mean patient age (63.9 vs. 60.7 vs. 51.1 years, p<0.001), greater percentage of female patients (68% vs. 44% vs. 42%, p<0.001), lower frequency of complexion associated melanosis (1% vs. 2% vs. 13%, p<0.001), smaller tumor thickness (2.1 vs. 2.8 vs. 3.6 mm, p=0.01), and less eyelid involvement (13% vs. 13% vs. 28%, p=0.02). Kaplan-Meier estimates for 5-year risk showed no difference by FST for visual acuity loss ≥3 lines, local tumor recurrence, exenteration, metastasis, or death.
Conclusions :
Most patients with conjunctival melanoma show FST I or II, and this demonstrated no association with 5-year rate of vision loss, tumor recurrence, exenteration, metastasis, or death.
This is a 2020 ARVO Annual Meeting abstract.