Conjunctival tumours

Conjunctival Tumours

What are conjunctival tumours?

Conjunctival tumours are growths that appear in the conjunctiva, which is the transparent mucous membrane that covers the eyeball from the corneal edge (limbus) to the conjunctival fornix. These tumours can be:

Benign or malignant
Pigmented or non-pigmented

While some tumours are harmless, others can threaten the patient's vision and life, requiring early diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

What causes them?

Conjunctival tumours can be caused by several factors:

Excessive exposure to the sun: This is a major risk factor for some types of conjunctival tumours.
Infection: Squamous neoplasia is related to infections by human papillomavirus (HPV) and HIV.
Smoking: Some melanocytic tumours (pigmented) are linked to smoking.

How can they be prevented?

Sun protection: Using sunglasses with filters can help prevent some conjunctival tumours caused by sun exposure.
Early detection: Most conjunctival tumours are benign, but some can be premalignant (precursors to cancer). Regular ophthalmic check-ups or seeing an ophthalmologist when a new lesion appears can help detect these tumours early.
Monitoring malignant tumours: Since malignant lesions can recur over time (either in the same spot or nearby), patients who have undergone treatment for these tumours should be regularly monitored.

Symptoms

Conjunctival tumours can cause visible changes in the conjunctiva, such as:

A change in color or texture (presence of dark pigment or blood vessels)
Lumps or lesions
Foreign body sensation
Tearing
Eye irritation

While many tumours are located in visible areas, some may initially go unnoticed and only be detected during a routine eye exam. In some cases, tumours may increase in size, causing irritation and discomfort.

Associated treatments

The treatment for conjunctival tumours depends on their type, location, and size:

Benign tumours: Most can be managed with regular monitoring. If they become symptomatic, treatment may be required.
Malignant tumours: These require more aggressive treatments, which can include:
- Small incision surgery
- Cryotherapy (freezing treatment)
- Topical chemotherapy
- Radiation therapy

Regular follow-up is important after treatment, as malignant tumours can recur.