Ocular Surface Squamous Neoplasia Associated with Atopic Keratoconjunctivitis

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Oncology
• Dermatology

Background:

• Atopic keratoconjunctivitis (AKC) is a chronic inflammatory eye condition.
• Severe AKC is associated with significant ocular surface changes.
• Ocular surface squamous neoplasia (OSSN) is a malignancy of the eye's surface.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report two cases of invasive squamous cell carcinoma arising in patients with severe atopic keratoconjunctivitis (AKC).
• To highlight the potential link between chronic inflammation in AKC and OSSN development.

Main Methods:

• Detailed clinical presentation and diagnostic workup of two male patients with severe AKC and subsequent OSSN.
• Description of treatment modalities including biopsy, cryotherapy, topical chemotherapy, and orbital exenteration.

Main Results:

• Both patients developed invasive squamous cell carcinoma, one bilateral and diffuse.
• Initial treatments with surgery and topical agents were unsuccessful.
• Orbital exenteration was ultimately required for both cases to manage the malignancy.

Conclusions:

• Chronic inflammation in severe AKC may serve as a risk factor for developing OSSN.
• OSSN associated with AKC can be aggressive, recurrent, and bilateral.
• Exenteration may be necessary for managing advanced OSSN in the context of AKC.