Metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the conjunctiva

Abstract

Metastasis from carcinoma of the conjunctiva is said to be rare. The authors have reviewed the clinical and histopathologic findings of squamous cell carcinoma of the conjunctiva in ten patients from Saudi Arabia in whom distant metastasis developed. There were six men and four women who ranged in age from 45 to 75 years (mean, 61 years). The initial site of metastasis included the parotid gland, submandibular and submaxillary glands, preauricular, cervical lymph nodes, lungs, and bone. Squamous cell carcinoma of the conjunctiva appears to follow a more aggressive course in Saudi Arabia than elsewhere, which appears to be related to delay in management.