[Massive intraocular invasion of conjunctiva by squamous cell carcinoma--a case report]

Squamous cell carcinoma of the conjunctiva is a mostly solitary growing tumor located at the limbus region, which seldom invades the eye. We present an unusual case of conjunctival carcinoma with marked intraocular involvement, which appeared primarily as a chronic inflammation with corneal ulcer.

A 89-year-old female patient was referred to our institution with a suspected ulcus rodens of the cornea. Since one year a refractory conjunctivitis persisted despite of different local treatment. At first presentation, a marked bacterial keratoconjunctivitis with circular necrosis of the conjunctiva, corneal infiltration and perforation was seen. Visual acuity of the right eye was light perception. The left eye was unremarkable. Enucleation of the right eye was performed. Histopathologic examination revealed the diagnosis of squamous cell carcinoma of the conjunctiva with intraocular involvement. There was a marked infiltration of the choroid even behind the equator. No metastases were found.

Advanced squamous cell carcinoma associated with superinfection may present as a primary inflammatory process. There may be extensive involvement of the choroid. Metastases are probably rare even in advanced cases of this type of carcinoma.