Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 11, 2026
Technique of Conjunctival Biopsy and Direct Immunofluorescence for Diagnosing Mucous Membrane Pemphigoid
Published on: June 17, 2025
[MALT (Mucosal Associated Lymphoid Tissue) lymphoma of the palpebral conjunctiva]
A Cauvain1, A Delmer, M-J Godeau
1Service de Dermatologie, Université Denis-Diderot, Paris VII, Centre Hospitalier Bichat Claude Bernard, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris.
Background:
MALT (Mucosal Associated Lymphoid Tissue) lymphomas of the conjunctiva belong to the extranodal marginal zone B-cell lymphomas. This site, while standard, is uncommon.
Case-Report:
A pink papular tumor developed on the lower eyelid of a 59-year-old woman. Sarcoidosis was diagnosed 9 years earlier associated with mediastinal lymphadenopathy and erythema nodosum not requiring treatment. Histological examination yielded a diagnosis of conjunctival MALT lymphoma. No visceral involvement was demonstrated. Radiotherapy (30 Gy) induced a complete response. A remote lesion developed on the patient's arm 18 months later. No other sites were found. Further radiotherapy (26 Gy) again induced complete remission. No new lesions were seen after 24 months of follow-up.
Discussion:
This case is interesting because of the association of a MALT lymphoma and previous sarcoidosis, described in the literature as "sarcoidosis-lymphoma syndrome". Association of sarcoidosis with MALT lymphoma is infrequent. Treatment of conjunctival MALT lymphoma is standardized. Radiotherapy offers excellent efficacy and is well tolerated at this site. Regular and long-term follow-up is required. Local and distant relapse can occur.
