Conjunctival myxoma: A systematic review of a rare tumor

Conjunctival myxoma masquerading as conjunctival lymphoma: A case report

“…Conjunctival myxomas are extremely rare tumors, with a rate of incidence of 0.001–0.002 %, as compared to other conjunctival tumors. They usually appear in older individuals, as in our present case [1] . However, it could also appear in younger patients [3] .…”

“…This tumor is typically composed of spindle and stellate cells immersed in an abundant mucinous matrix, with few vessels and reticulin fibers [3] . This fact was supported by Stout in 1948 who found that myxomas are a true tumor consisting of stellate-shaped cells embedded in a loose myxoid stroma through which delicate reticulin fibers pass in various directions [1] , [11] . Multinucleated and vacuolated cells with slightly pleomorphic nuclei and floret-type giant cells were also described according to the latest systematic review [1] .…”

“…Although most conjunctival myxomas reported in the literature present as isolated lesions, it is worth mentioning that some of them could appear as a part of the Carney complex or the Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. Therefore, a clinical suspicion of such conjunctival lesion mandates taking into account atypical forms, and early recognition if possible with an excisional biopsy and an initiation of systemic evaluation is advisable in order to prevent life-threatening events since ocular presentation may precede the embolic vascular events, especially in the previously mentioned syndromes [1] , [10] . Histopathological analysis is essential for the diagnosis of this condition [1] .…”

“…Therefore, a clinical suspicion of such conjunctival lesion mandates taking into account atypical forms, and early recognition if possible with an excisional biopsy and an initiation of systemic evaluation is advisable in order to prevent life-threatening events since ocular presentation may precede the embolic vascular events, especially in the previously mentioned syndromes [1] , [10] . Histopathological analysis is essential for the diagnosis of this condition [1] . This tumor is typically composed of spindle and stellate cells immersed in an abundant mucinous matrix, with few vessels and reticulin fibers [3] .…”

“…Myxoma is a slow-growing benign tumor that originates from the mesenchymal tissue, which may affect the heart, skin, gastrointestinal system, genitourinary system, and musculoskeletal system. Ocular myxomas are extremely rare; however, they can affect the orbit, eyelids, and conjunctiva [1] . Conjunctival myxoma, which is more frequent in older individuals, can be misdiagnosed as amelanotic nevus/melanoma, conjunctival cyst, or ocular surface squamous neoplasia, and lipoma [2] , [3] .…”