In situ carcinoma of the conjunctiva: surgical excision associated with cryotherapy

Nicolás Crim, María Elena Forniés-Paz, Rodolfo Monti, Evangelina Espósito, Juan Pablo Maccio, Julio A Urrets-Zavalía

Department of Ophthalmology, University Clinic Reina Fabiola, Universidad Católica de Córdoba, Argentina

Background: Although frequently underdiagnosed, squamous cell carcinoma is the most commonly observed malignancy of the conjunctiva. Multiple different treatments have been proposed to date. The purpose of this paper is to report our experience in the treatment of In situ carcinoma of the conjunctiva by surgical excision associated with cryotherapy.
Methods: Four eyes in four consecutive patients (two men and two women) of average age 53.2 (range 39–71) years at the time of diagnosis of ocular surface squamous neoplasia were treated by simple surgical excision and cryotherapy of the resulting surgical bed margins. In all cases, the diagnosis of in situ carcinoma was confirmed histopathologically.
Results: On histopathology, the edges of the surgical specimens were free of malignant cells in three of four patients. All patients showed excellent evolution without recurrence. Mean follow-up was 6.5 (range 2–14) years.
Conclusion: In situ carcinoma of the conjunctiva may be simply and successfully treated with surgical excision and cryotherapy.

Keywords: conjunctival squamous cell carcinoma, surgical excision, cryotherapy