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Title	Characteristics and prognostic factors in conjunctival melanoma
Abstract Nr.	1056

Purpose	To investigate the different characteristics and prognostic factors in 45 conjunctival melanomas. Risk factors for local recurrence and regional and distant metastases and overall survival were analysed.
Methods	Retrospective study.
Results	Retrospectively 45 patients (30 males, 15 females) with conjunctival melanoma were identified in the last 15 years. Mean age at first diagnosis was 62.5 years. In 18 patients Strontium brachytherapy and in 7 Iridium brachytherapy was used. The mean number of recurrences (both at the same place and at another location of the conjunctiva) was 2 (range 1-6) within the mean follow-up time of 4.5 years. In 9 patients regional metastases developed and in 9 distant metastases. Multilocality and tumor thickness are significant prognostic factors.
Conclusion	Nonepibulbar tumors more often recur locally and are associated with a shorter survival independent of other risk factors. Tumor thickness is also an important predictor in conjunctival melanoma. In many cases conjunctival melanoma behaves as a chronic disease.

Authors 1

Last name	FABRY
Initials	A
Department	UZ Leuven
City	Leuven

Authors 2

Last name	Van Ginderdeuren
Initials	R
Department	UZ Leuven
City	Leuven

Authors 3

Last name	Spileers
Initials	W
Department	UZ Leuven
City	Leuven

Authors 4

Last name	Missotten
Initials	G
Department	UZ Leuven
City	Leuven