Mucoepidermoid carcinoma of the conjunctiva: a clinicopathologic study of five cases

Five patients with mucoepidermoid carcinoma of the conjunctiva were studied. The tumors were located close to the limbus in three patients, in the bulbar conjunctiva in one, and in the lower cul-de-sac in the remaining patient. Histopathologically, they exhibited lobules of tumor cells showing an admixture of epidermoid and mucus-secreting cells. Histochemical stains for mucin were most useful in arriving at a correct diagnosis. Follow-up information revealed that all five tumors recurred rapidly, invading the corneal stroma, intraocular structures, and orbit. Biologically, these tumors appear to be locally aggressive and should be differentiated histopathologically from the conventional squamous cell carcinoma of the conjunctiva, which carries a better prognosis. They should be managed by wide local excision, and the margins should be carefully examined for residual tumor. Frequent follow-up is recommended to detect early recurrence.