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Pigmented conjunctival squamous cell carcinoma simulating a conjunctival melanoma
J A Shields1, C L Shields, R C Eagle
1Oncology Service, Wills Eye Hospital, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19107, USA.
Purpose:
To report a pigmented conjunctival squamous cell carcinoma that clinically simulated a conjunctival melanoma.
Design:
Interventional case report.
Methods:
Ocular examination, surgical excision, and clinicopathologic correlation.
Results:
A 78-year-old white man developed a lightly pigmented mass at the temporal limbus of his right eye. The differential diagnosis included pigmented squamous cell carcinoma and malignant melanoma. Histopathologic examination revealed a malignant squamous cell tumor that contained foci of melanin pigment. The final diagnosis was pigmented conjunctival squamous cell carcinoma.
Conclusion:
Conjunctival squamous cell carcinoma may rarely be pigmented and simulate a conjunctival melanoma.

