Squamous cell carcinoma with necrotizing scleritis.

PURPOSE: To report on a case of limbal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) with necrotizing scleritis in a young, previously healthy, white Australian male.

METHODS

A 31-year-old man presented with a left limbal lesion intermittently causing a red eye and foreign body sensation. He had enjoyed surfing for many years. Repeat HIV tests were negative and the lesion was biopsied.

RESULTS

Biopsy showed a well-differentiated SCC apparently arising in an intra-epithelial (in situ) carcinoma of the conjunctiva. The lesion was excised and a corneoscleral graft repair was performed.

CONCLUSION

The present case highlights the potential for a significant increase in the prevalence of ocular surface neoplasia in healthy young people who have had excessive UV-B exposure.