Conjunctival melanoma: is it increasing in the United States?

Malignant Melanoma of the Conjunctiva

“…Recent studies have indicated that like cutaneous melanoma, the incidence of conjunctival melanoma is increasing. 3,4,7 Similar to cutaneous melanomas, conjunctival melanomas are malignant tumors of proliferating melanocytes that are derived from the neural crest. The conjunctiva is a mucous membrane that covers the anterior half of the pericorneal globe (the bulbar conjunctiva) and lines the posterior surface of the eyelids (the palpebral conjunctiva) forming a fold in the superior and inferior fornices (the forniceal conjunctiva).…”

“…Its incidence is 0.2 to 0.8 per million in white populations. [1][2][3][4] Conjunctival melanoma is a potentially lethal neoplasm, with an average 10-year mortality rate of 30%. 1 It is identified most frequently in the perilimbal interpalpebral bulbar conjunctiva with tumors located in the palpebral or fornical conjunctiva or caruncle, plica semilunaris or eyelid margins having a worse prognosis for survival.…”

Giant Conjunctival Melanoma with Breast Cancer and Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia: A Case Report and Mini-Review of the Literature

“…Breast ultrasononography showed 2x3 cm mass on the areola of the left breast with left and right axillary lypmh node metastasis. Laboratory tests revealed hemoglobin level of 11,9 g/dl, white blood cell count of 14500cells/µl ( [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19][20]. Excisional biopsy was performed for breast mass and pathologic evaluation was reported as invasive ductal carcinoma, estrogen 95% positive, progesterone 70% positive and HER 3 +++ positive.…”

“…7,8 Significant increase in the incidence of conjunctival melanoma was observed in the age group over 60 years and among white men. 12 Conjunctival melanomas are usually diagnosed by well obtained history, careful physical examination and slit-lamp microscopy. History and physical examination should include age, symptoms, sun exposure, development and growth rate of the lesion, cancer history, inspection of eyelids and neighbouring tissues, ocular surface examination, lymph node palpation.…”

Melanoma maligno conjuntival

“…Sua incidência vem aumentando nos Estados Unidos da América entre a população masculina (20,21) e em pacientes acima de 60 anos (21) . MC é mais frequente em indivíduos idosos com idade média va riando de 55 a 70 anos (6,18,19,(22)(23)(24)(25) .…”