Local metastasis in conjunctival melanoma

After excision of conjunctival melanomas the rate of recidivation is high. This may partly be due to local seeding of tumour cells in the excision wound, as we observed in one patient. We now use a sodiumhypochlorite solution (Dakin's solution) as tumour cell killing agent. Instead of diagnostic biopsy exfoliative cytology is performed; at surgery the tumour is not touched except for cauterisation with formaldehyde.