| Title | Epistaxis or Epiphora as sign for extension of a conjunctival melanoma. A series of six patients with nasolacrimal recurrence |
| Abstract Nr. | 332 |
| Purpose | To characterize malignant conjunctival melanomas with extension and recurrence in the lacrimal duct and nose. |
| Methods | Localization of the primary tumor and recurrences of 210 conjunctival melanomas treated in the Netherlands were reviewed for orbital and nasal tumors (1978-2008). On the basis of these cases and literature data, characteristics for lacrimal duct and nose extension and metastasis were reviewed. |
| Results | Six patients (3%) showed a secondary conjunctival melanoma in the nose. Two of the six primary tumors were epibulbar, the other 4 were multifocal tumors involving the fornix. All primary conjunctival melanomas were associated with primary acquired melanosis (PAM). During follow-up period (mean 139 ± 37 months; median 105 months) two patients developed metastases, and died during follow-up. |
| Conclusion | Ophthalmologists treating conjunctival melanoma should be aware of the possible extension of conjunctival melanomas in the lacrimal duct and nose, especially in non-epibulbar cases associated with PAM. Screening for conjunctival melanoma recurrences should include the active questioning of epiphora, nose obstructions and epistaxis. |
| Last name | MISSOTTEN |
| Initials | GS |
| Department | Leiden University Medical Center, Nederland & Catholic University Leuven, België |
| City | Leuven - Leiden |
| Last name | Gambrelle |
| Initials | J |
| Department | Lyon University Hospital, France |
| City | Lyon |
| Last name | De Wolff-Rouendaal |
| Initials | D |
| Department | Leiden University Medical Center, Nederland |
| City | Leiden |
| Last name | De Keizer |
| Initials | RJ |
| Department | Leiden University Medical Center, Nederland & Antwerp University, België |
| City | Leiden - Antwerpen |