Ocular Surface Squamous Neoplasia (OSSN): A Retrospective Study.

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Oncology
• Public Health

Background:

• Ocular surface squamous neoplasia (OSSN) encompasses conjunctival and corneal epithelial abnormalities, from dysplasia to invasive squamous cell carcinoma.
• The incidence of OSSN is reportedly increasing, especially in developing nations like India.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze demographic factors of OSSN.
• To compare clinical presentation, treatment outcomes, and histopathology of OSSN.
• To investigate the association between OSSN and HIV status.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective cross-sectional study.
• Analysis of 113 OSSN cases over three years (February 2012 - January 2015).
• Data collected from Sarojini Devi Eye Hospital, Regional Institute of Ophthalmology.

Main Results:

• The mean age of OSSN presentation was 45.2 years (range 18-78).
• Males constituted 65.48% of cases; the commonest presentation was a limbal nodule.
• 23% of patients were HIV-positive, with a mean age of 34; 78.26% of these had squamous cell carcinoma (SCC).

Conclusions:

• OSSN incidence is higher in males and individuals with outdoor occupations.
• Nodular OSSN is the most frequent type.
• HIV-positive individuals exhibit increased OSSN incidence with invasive features, potentially serving as an early sign of HIV infection, necessitating thorough patient workup.