gms | German Medical Science

The squamous cell carcinoma of the conjunctiva is a rare tumor of the elderly people. In younger patients we need to search for predisposing diseases.

We report the case of a 28-year-old female patient with a recently diagnosed knot of the bulbar conjunctiva. She suffered from a red eye and foreign body sensation. Histology addicted a squamous cell carcinoma. Human papilloma virus was not detectable. After surgery we started a local therapy using mitomycin C 0.02% for 3 months. 10 months later a complete parotidectomy and a neck-dissection was necessary. No additional tumors were found within the last two years. The patient suffers from neurodermitis and asthma. An intense UV-exposition was neglected.

In young patients with conjunctival squamous cell carcinoma we have to search for abetting diseases. A coincidence with defects of the immune system is known. Additionally a local virus infection as a risk factor is discussed (HPV). We believe that neurodermitis is the main risk factor for the development of the conjunctival tumor in our young patient. The aggressive course is quite unusual.