Squamous cell carcinoma of the conjunctiva

Ocular surface squamous neoplasia presents as a spectrum from simple dysplasia to carcinoma in situ to invasive squamous cell carcinoma involving the conjunctiva as well as the cornea. It is a distinct clinical entity, although it has been known by a variety of different names thorughout the literature. Most commonly it arises in the limbal region, occurring particularly in elderly males who have lived in geographic areas exposed to high levels of ultraviolet-B radiation. Symptoms range from none to severe pain and visual loss. The development of preoperative diagnostic techniques, such as impression cytology, are of value in clinical decision making and follow-up management. Simple excision with adequate margins is currently the best established form of treatment despite trials of other modalities. The course of this disease may be evanescent, but is more frequently slowly progressive and may require exenteration and occasionally may lead to death.