A rare case of conjunctival melanoma in an Asian lady: A case report

Ocular melanoma is the second most prevalent after cutaneous melanoma. There are few studies published on conjunctival melanoma, and the literature is limited especially concerning surgical techniques of excision. Despite being rare, invasive ocular melanoma has a high mortality rate ranging from 18 to 44 %.

We present a case of Conjunctival Melanoma in a 36-year-old Asian lady that presented with rapid changes in the characteristics of a pre-existing conjunctival nevus, associated with itchiness, burning, and a growing mass. Examination showed a large pedunculated vascularized melanotic mass, highly suggestive of melanoma. She underwent wide local excision with biopsy, with histopathology confirming invasive conjunctival melanoma. Patient was managed by a multi-disciplinary team including oncology.

Conjunctival melanomas are associated with a high mortality rate and prompt close follow up. Ethnic and racial variations in prognosis have been reported in the literature.

Conjunctival melanomas are managed as a separate disease clinically due to the significant difference from other ocular melanomas in treatment and histopathology. A multi-disciplinary approach is needed to manage cases with respect to socioeconomic status.