Two Decades of Insights: Comprehensive Histopathological and Epidemiological Analysis of Conjunctival Tumors

Abstract

This study analyzed 2102 conjunctival lesions excised between 1981 and 2003 at a single tertiary center in Serbia, with the aim of evaluating their histopathological characteristics, anatomical localization, and demographic distribution. Of the total cases recorded, 55.1% were male, indicating a slight male predominance. The bulbar conjunctiva was the most commonly affected site (34.5%), with 39.3% of tumors extended to multiple regions of the conjunctiva, including areas such as the plica and caruncula. The most common benign lesion was compound conjunctival nevus (16.7%), while squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) (11.4%) and melanoma (11.3%) were the most prevalent malignant tumors. Tumor incidence peaked in the 61–70 and 51–60 year age groups, with malignant tumors such as SCC being more frequent in males. Comparisons with similar global studies reveal that our findings align with worldwide trends, such as the predominance of SCC, which has been linked to UV exposure, and the frequency of melanoma in fair-skinned populations. However, the lower prevalence of fibrodegenerative lesions like pterygia and pinguecula in our cohort likely reflects Serbia’s cooler climate compared to regions with higher UV exposure. These findings underscore the diverse nature of conjunctival tumors, the critical role of histopathological examination for diagnosis, and the influence of environmental factors. This study provides valuable insights into the epidemiology of conjunctival tumors, contributing to global understanding and guiding future diagnostic and therapeutic approaches.