Conjunctival Squamous Cell Carcinoma

 
DESCRIPTION
Conjunctival Squamous Cell Carcinoma is a cancer on the surface of the eye and is usually found in older Caucasian (white skinned) patients. It appears as a white or yellow-pink nodule on the eye surface in the front of the eye where it can easily be seen. Some believe that excessive exposure to sunlight from outdoor activities like sunbathing, golfing, fishing, and other sports can lead to this tumor. Large dilated red blood vessels leading to the tumor on the eye might also be visible.

TREATMENT
Squamous cell carcinoma is locally invasive so it could invade and destroy the eye. This cancer rarely spreads to distant sites and most people are cured of this cancer with appropriate treatment. The recommended management depends on the size and extent of the cancer. Sometimes it is surgically removed by complete excision in the operating room. Occasionally a tissue graft (amniotic membrane transplant) is necessary to cover the hole where the tumor was removed. Sometimes this cancer can be treated with special chemotherapy eyedrops that are used for a few weeks or up to one year. Sometimes injection of chemotherapy cures the cancer. An experienced doctor should make the decision regarding the method of treatment