Long-term follow-up of invasive ocular surface squamous cell carcinoma treated with excision, cryotherapy, and...

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the efficacy of surgical excision, cryotherapy and topical Mitomycin C (MMC) for ocular surface squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) with at least 24 months follow-up. METHODS: Seventeen patients with primary and recurrent invasive SCC of ocular surface underwent surgical excision and map biopsy of the margins, and double freeze-thaw cryotherapy of the bed and margins. Topical MMC (0.04%, 4 times daily) was commenced 7-10 days after operation. It was delivered in cycles that consisted of medication 4 times daily for 7 consecutive days followed by 7 consecutive days of no medication. Patients with primary SCC received two cycles (protocol 1) and those with recurrent SCC received three cycles (protocol 2). Patients with intra-ocular and or orbital extension or those with less than 24 months of follow-up were excluded. The frequency of tumor recurrence and complications associated with treatment were measured. RESULTS: Mean age was 70.7 years (SD = 10, range: 48-80). Mean follow-up time was 48 months (SD = 21, range: 24-89). There were 12 patients with primary SCC and five with recurrent SCC. Mean largest diameter was 9.7 mm (3-20). Surgical margins were free in 12 cases. One patient with recurrent SCC who received protocol 2 treatment developed recurrence 9 months after excision, and remained free of recurrence 24 months after second treatment. Complications comprised transient mild punctate corneal epithelial erosion (eight), irritation and conjunctival hyperemia (11), corneal scar (six), and scleral thinning (three). All except one responded well to conservative management. One scleral thinning required scleral patch graft 1 year after treatment. CONCLUSION: The combination of surgical excision, cryotherapy, and post-operative topical mitomycin-C was effective treatment for ocular surface invasive SCC in long-term follow-up.