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Epistaxis or epiphora as sign for extension of a conjunctival melanoma: a series of six patients with nasolacrimal recurrence
Author(s) -
MISSOTTEN GS,
GAMBRELLE J,
DE KEIZER RJW
Publication year - 2010
Publication title -
acta ophthalmologica
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.534
H-Index - 87
eISSN - 1755-3768
pISSN - 1755-375X
DOI - 10.1111/j.1755-3768.2010.4162.x
Subject(s) - medicine , surgery , conjunctiva , fornix , melanoma , nose , dermatology , pathology , cancer research , hippocampus
Purpose To characterize malignant conjunctival melanomas with extension and recurrence in the nasolacrimal system Methods Localization of the primary tumor and recurrences of 210 conjunctival melanomas treated in the Netherlands were reviewed for orbital and nasal tumors (1978‐2008). On the basis of these cases and literature data, characteristics for nasolacrimal system extension and metastasis were reviewed. Results Six patients (3%) showed a recurrence of the primary conjunctival melanoma in the nasolacrimal system. Two of the six primary tumors were limbal tumors, the other four were diffuse tumors involving the fornix. In all six patients, the primary conjunctival melanomas were associated with primary acquired melanosis (PAM). During follow‐up period (mean 11.6 ± 3 years; median 8.7 years) two patients developed metastases, and died during follow‐up. Conclusion Patients should be advised to contact the treating ophthalmologist in the case of symptoms of epiphora, nose obstructions and epistaxis, especially non‐bulbar and diffuse cases associated with PAM.