Conjunctival malignant melanoma in Sweden 1969-91

Clinical information, follow-up and histopathological parameters of the primary lesions were assessed for all (45) individuals with conjunctival malignant melanomas in Sweden presenting during a 22.5 year period (1969 to mid 1991). The annual incidence of conjunctival malignant melanoma in Sweden was 0.0240 per 100,000. On average, two new cases were diagnosed each year (population 8.6 million in 1991). Sixty-two per cent of the lesions recurred, but re-growth in itself was not correlated to reduced survival. The actuarial 10-year survival proportion using life-table analysis was 70%. A significantly reduced survival due to tumour-related death was noted in patients with tumours with high mitotic indices, many epithelioid cells and in lesions exceeding 10 mm in diameter. Other factors that may influence survival are presented in the context of previous reports. The present policy in Sweden for treating patients with malignant melanoma of the conjunctiva is outlined and discussed.