Conjunctival melanoma in Southwestern Nigeria: a case series and review of literature

Abstract

Purpose: Conjunctival melanoma is a rare tumor worldwide and is extremely rare among black population. This study aims to report the demographics, clinical presentation, treatment, and outcome of patients seen in an indigenous black population in Southwestern Nigeria.

Methods: All patients histologically diagnosed with conjunctival melanoma and managed in the facility were reviewed. Their demographics, clinical presentation, treatment received, outcome of treatment, and histopathological features were analyzed.

Results: Six patients (males = 2) with a mean age of 49.8 years were managed over 11 years (range 25-75 years). The right eye was involved in three patients, while one patient had bilateral non-simultaneous tumor. All six patients presented with pigmented growth over the ocular surface of varying duration, confirmed as malignant melanoma at histopathology after an excision biopsy (two patients), incision biopsy (one patient), or orbital exenteration (three patients). One patient who had complete adjuvant treatment postoperatively remained alive and tumor-free at 7-year follow-up, one patient is presently on chemotherapy, one patient died while on admission, and the remaining three patients abandoned further postoperative treatment and defaulted from follow-up.

Conclusion: Conjunctival melanoma is a rare ocular malignancy in Southwestern Nigeria, and patients present with advanced disease with potential poor outcome.

Keywords: Black population; Conjunctival malignant melanoma; Malignant melanoma; Nigeria; Outcome.