[Conjunctival epidermoid carcinoma and human immunodeficiency virus]

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Oncology
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) is associated with an increased risk of certain malignancies, primarily Kaposi's sarcoma and non-Hodgkin's lymphomas.
• Conjunctival squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) is a common ocular surface malignancy, but its occurrence in the context of HIV/AIDS is infrequent.
• Understanding the interplay between HIV infection and the development of cSCC is crucial for early diagnosis and management.

Observation:

• A case report detailing the clinical and histopathological features of cSCC in an AIDS patient.
• The excised tumor was identified as a papillary, well-differentiated squamous cell carcinoma with focal microinvasion.
• In situ hybridization for Human Papillomavirus (HPV) DNA was negative in the tumor specimen.

Findings:

• The study presents a rare instance of conjunctival squamous cell carcinoma in an individual with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).
• Histopathological examination confirmed a well-differentiated squamous cell carcinoma with microinvasion.
• Human Papillomavirus (HPV) DNA was not detected in the tumor, suggesting HPV is not the causative agent in this specific case.

Implications:

• This case underscores that while less common than other AIDS-related cancers, squamous cell carcinomas can occur in the conjunctiva of individuals with HIV.
• Clinicians should maintain a high index of suspicion for conjunctival malignancies in patients diagnosed with HIV/AIDS.
• Further research may elucidate the specific mechanisms linking HIV infection to the development of cSCC in certain patients.