[Benign conjunctival tumors]

Benign conjunctival tumors include congenital, melanocytic, epithelial and stromal lesions. Clinical observation often fails to make the diagnosis, and complete excisional biopsy must be performed as soon as growth is suspected. Histology remains the best way to exclude malignancy or lesions with a risk of transformation, because malignant lesions carry a poor prognosis and require specific therapy and follow-up. Onco-ophthalmologists must have a perfect knowledge of benign conjunctival tumors, since during adulthood, nevi can be confused with melanomas, and epithelial or stromal lesions with carcinomas. For children and teenagers, surgery is only recommended when growth or functional problems are observed.