Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 8, 2025

Author Spotlight: Anterior HR-OCT as a Non-Invasive Tool for Characterizing Ocular Surface Squamous Neoplasia
Published on: August 9, 2024
Pigmented Nevus of the Caruncle and Plica Semilunaris: A Case Report
Joshua Meyerov1, Lewis Levitz2, Afaf Haddad3,4
1Melbourne Medical School, Parkville, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
Abstract:
Conjunctival nevi are benign, heterogenous tumors that uncommonly arise from the lacrimal caruncle and plica semilunaris. We present a case of a patient diagnosed and managed for an unusual, pigmented nevus of the left caruncle involving the plica. An 84-year-old woman presented with a rapidly growing, pigmented lesion in her left nasal canthus. Examination demonstrated a raised, dark, pigmented area arising from the left caruncle and seeming to involve the plica semilunaris without scleral extension. The lesion was completely excised for histopathology, which confirmed the diagnosis of a compound nevus with pigment incontinence. Given the unfavorable anatomical position and prognostic significance in the case of malignancy, pigmented caruncular lesions should be thoroughly investigated with a low threshold for surgical removal.
Related Concept Videos
Skin Cancer
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): BCC is the most common type of skin cancer, accounting for about 80% of cases. It typically develops in...
Papillary Dermis
The dermis might be considered the "core" of the integumentary system, as distinct from the epidermis and hypodermis. It contains blood and lymph vessels, nerves, and other structures, such as hair follicles and sweat glands. The dermis is made of two layers of connective tissue that comprise an interconnected mesh of elastin and collagenous fibers, produced by fibroblasts.
Papillary Layer
The papillary layer is made of loose, areolar connective tissue, which means the collagen...
Pigmentation
Melanin occurs in two primary forms: eumelanin that provides black and brown pigment and pheomelanin that provides red color. Dark-skinned individuals produce more melanin than those with pale...

