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Updated: Jun 8, 2026
Anterior High-Resolution Optical Coherence Tomography in the Diagnosis and Therapeutic Monitoring of Ocular Surface Squamous Neoplasia
Published on: August 9, 2024
Recurrent primary acquired melanosis with atypia involving a clear corneal phacoemulsification wound
Kathryn Colby1, Pooja Bhat, Gustavo Novais
1Cornea Service, Department of Ophthalmology, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Harvard School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02114, USA. kacolby@meei.harvard.edu
Purpose:
To report a case of corneal primary acquired melanosis (PAM) with atypia after cataract surgery.
Methods:
Retrospective case report with literature review.
Results:
Excision of an elevated pigmented conjunctival lesion was performed at the time of cataract extraction by clear corneal phacoemulsification by an outside surgeon. Histopathologic examination revealed PAM with atypia. Three months after the initial surgery, recurrent melanosis involving the peripheral corneal epithelium was noted, with extension of pigment into the corneal stroma through the paracentesis site. Excision of the involved corneal epithelium and the adjacent conjunctiva was performed, and microscopically recurrent PAM with atypia was confirmed. Adjuvant cryotherapy was applied at the time of surgery, and topical mitomycin C was given postoperatively. Repeat biopsies revealed no remaining malignancy, and the intrastromal pigment has disappeared during 18 months of follow-up.
Conclusion:
We present this case to illustrate the importance of complete evaluation and treatment of potentially atypical melanocytic conjunctival lesions before proceeding with elective intraocular surgery.
