Extensive squamous cell carcinoma of the conjunctiva presenting as orbital cellulitis: the hermit syndrome

The authors present three cases of extensive squamous cell carcinoma of the conjunctiva invading the orbit and masquerading as orbital cellulitis. All cases were in elderly alcoholic men living in relative social isolation. Total exenteration of the orbit was required in all three cases. Only one patient has had long-term follow-up; he was well 5 years after presentation. The other two patients were well 15 and 5 months after surgery.