Conjunctival Nevus

Description

Conjunctival nevus is a benign, noncancerous growth and is the most common lesion that occurs on the surface of the eye. It is usually a discrete lesion on the conjunctiva (the clear film over the eye) and can range from dark brown to yellow color, and many times will contain clear cystic components. These lesions can darken or lighten with time.

Risk Factors

The best initial management for a small, typical conjunctival nevus is periodic observation with photographs. If growth is documented, local excision of the lesion should be considered. The main concern with this tumor is the fact that it carries a small risk (less than one percent) for evolution into melanoma over the patient’s lifetime.