Conjunctival melanocytic lesions. Natural history

Abstract

Conjunctival melanocytes are like those of the skin and benign and malignant lesions composed of conjuctival melanocytes act much like those of skin. Conjunctival naevi are common and usually benign. Conjunctival melanomas are rare and arise de novo, from pre-existing junctional naevi or from intraepithelial melanomas either superficial spreading melanoma (SSM) or Hutchinson's freckle (HF). It is important to utilize the newer data about skin melanomas in any consideration of the diagnosis and prognosis of melanotic conjunctival lesions. Until more information is gathered we cannot provide an accurate assessment of the natural history of malignant conjunctival melanomas.