Dr. Sharmila Devi Vadivelu, Dr.Ananda Babu M
AIM: To report two cases of pigmented squamous cell carcinoma that clinically simulated conjunctival melanoma.
DESIGN: Interventional Case report.
METHODS: Ocular examination including impression cytology, surgical excision with alcohol keratoepitheliectomy, conjunctivotenonectomy, lamellar sclerectomy f/b double freeze thaw cryotherapy and amniotic membrane grafting. Specimens were sent for histopathologic correlation.
RESULTS: Both patients were male. Both had leukoplakia in the pigmented mass. Although both appeared as melanoma clinically, HPE showed squamous cell carcinoma with many tumor cells containing melanin. Surgical margins were negative in both. There was no recurrence over a follow up period of 6 months.
CONCLUSION: SCC can very rarely be pigmented, primarily due to intratumoral pigmented dendritic melanocytes and hence to be considered in the differential diagnosis of malignant melanoma.