Histopathological Analysis of Conjunctival Lesions: A 10 Year Experience

Objective: Conjunctiva is a region where various neoplastic or non-neoplastic lesions may develop.  In this study, we aimed to perform a histopathological analysis of conjunctival lesions and to determine their prevalence.

Material & Methods: Conjunctival biopsies of 401 patients who presented to the pathology laboratory between 2009 and 2019 were retrospectively examined. The cases were histopathologically divided into two groups as non-neoplastic and neoplastic lesions. Neoplastic lesions were further divided into subgroups as benign, premalignant, and malignant lesions. The prevalence of lesions and distribution of age and gender among the groups were analyzed.

Results: In our series of 401 patients, the mean age was 49.89±21.75 years. Of all patients, 209 (52.1%) were male and 192 (47.9%) were female. Non-neoplastic lesions were found in 296 (73.8%) and neoplastic lesions in 105 (26.2%) patients. The mean age was found as 50.79±19.34 years in patients with non-neoplastic lesions, and 47.34±27.39 years in patients with neoplastic lesions. Of neoplastic lesions, 64 (60.2%) were benign, 17 (16.2%) premalignant, and 24 (22.6%) malignant. The most commonly found non-neoplastic lesion was pterygium (n:220; 54.78%) while the most common benign lesions were nevus and other pigmented lesions (n:38; 9.5%), and the most common malignant lesion was squamous cell carcinoma (n:14; 3.5%). The prevalence of neoplastic lesions significantly increased over 45 years old (p<0.05).

Conclusion: In the current study, conjunctival lesions diagnosed in our laboratory over 10 years were reviewed and histopathologically analyzed. Recognition of conjunctival lesions and being aware of the rates of non-neoplastic and neoplastic lesions are crucial for treatment planning and protection of visual functions.