Squamous cell carcinoma of the conjunctiva in a patient with the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome

Abstract

Purpose: To alert ophthalmologists to the possibility of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection in individuals with conjunctival squamous cell carcinoma.

Methods: We treated a 24-year-old patient with the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome who developed a limbal mass. The mass was excised and examined by routine histologic and immunohistochemical methods.

Results: The histopathologic examination disclosed infiltrating squamous cell carcinoma with features of spindle cell carcinoma. Frequent abnormal mitotic figures were present in this neoplasia.

Conclusions: Squamous cell carcinoma with histologic features of aggressive behavior in a young individual should alert physicians to the possibility of HIV infection. Such patients may require frequent follow-up examination, even after complete excision of the tumor.