Neoplasms of the limbus

One hundred consecutively excised and histologically diagnosed limbal neoplasms were analyzed. Majority (56%) of the affected patients were less than 30 years old. Benign tumours (77%) outnumbered the malignancies. Dermoids (29%) and hyperplastic squamous epithelium or 'epidermalization' (26%) were the commonest benign neoplasms. Squamous cell carcinoma, including frank and non-invasive carcinoma (23%) was the most frequent malignant tumour. These observations were compared with previous Indian and Western studies and the implications discussed.