Melanoma of the conjunctiva--a rational approach to management

Eleven of 12 patients treated for invasive melanomas of the conjunctiva at the UCLA Hospitals from 1955 to 1976 revealed data sufficient for evaluation. Of these 11 cases, 4 died from 3 to 13 years after treatment as a result of the disease. The plan presented for surgical management of melanosis is based on histologic criteria and on the anatomic location of the tumor. In this series, such management ranged from local excision of noninvasive melanotic lesions to orbital exenteration with parotidectomy and radical neck dissection for invasive melanomas that involved the palpebral conjunctiva or caruncle. Extended follow-up is needed in all patients.