Tumors of the cornea and conjunctiva

This article reviews literature regarding tumors and tumor-like lesions of the conjunctiva and cornea as published in 1995. Causative and prognostic factors, as well as treatment options, are discussed. Ocular surface squamous neoplasia has been suggested as an "umbrella" term for dysplastic and carcinomatous lesions of the cornea and conjunctiva. Squamous cell carcinoma shows a higher incidence in patients with AIDS. A high prevalence (36%) of primary acquired melanosis is reported in one article, and the need for biopsy of all these lesions is questioned. Reviews of conjunctival myxoma, corneal pyogenic granuloma, and limbal juvenile xanthogranuloma are also included. The pathogenesis and newer treatment options for pterygia are discussed. Simple excision or resection of the pterygium followed by conjunctival autografting or intraoperative or postoperative mitomycin C application seems to be equally effective in reducing the rate of recurrence.