Squamous cell carcinoma of the conjunctiva. Case report.

Abstract

IntroductionThe prevalence of squamous cell carcinoma of the eyeball is low, and this is a rare condition. There are multiple therapeutic strategies for the treatment and depend on the degree of local involvement and extension of the tumor which, in turn, will have an impact on the patient's prognosis.Presentation of caseWe present a case of a patient with a mass of progressive growth on the left eyeball whit vision damage. The biopsy showed a squamous cell carcinoma of the conjunctiva, and imaging studies showed orbital invasion cT4bN0cM0, so surgery was indicated. The surgery was done with macroscopic margins of 5 mm. After resection, a radial free flap reconstruction was performed. Adjuvant treatment with radiotherapy was performed without complications. After six months, the patient manifested an improvement in his quality of life, and there is no evidence of relapse.DiscussionThe prevalence of squamous cell carcinoma of the conjunctiva is low. The most important risk factor is exposure to UV rays. Most are derived from conjunctival intraepithelial neoplasms. There are topical management protocols with chemotherapeutic agents and in patients with ocular or orbital invasion, enucleation and exanteration are the treatments of choice.ConclusionThe squamous cell carcinoma of the conjunctive is rare. The management in the locally advanced tumors is surgical. The use of a radial free flap reconstruction is one of the reconstructive strategies to take into account, and the knowledge of additional strategies required to control the disease is important to ensure an optimal treatment.