[Squamous cell carcinoma of the conjunctiva with orbital invasion: orbital exenteration or minimally invasive procedure?].

BACKGROUND

Here we present a case of a female patient with squamous cell carcinoma with orbital invasion who insisted on a globe-sparing excisional biopsy rather than a more invasive procedure.

CASE: A 48-year-old patient presented with a conjunctival tumor at the medial canthus of the right eye. The visual acuity in this eye was 1.0. MRI showed a 25 mm x 12 mm tumor, with orbital invasion, no metastasis, but on CT scan damage of the lamina papyracea was suspected. Histology of a punch biopsy confirmed a moderately differentiated, squamous cell carcinoma. As requested by the patient, simple tumor excision with a 5-mm safety margin, reconstruction of the lower fornix with amniotic membrane, and adjuvant mitomycin C therapy were performed. Intraoperatively the medial orbital wall was found to be intact. No local or systemic recurrence has occurred 3.5 years postoperatively. The patient's VA is still 1.0; no visual field defects are detectable, and there are only minor upper lid levator restriction and diplopia in maximum upgaze.

CONCLUSION

In view of this case the choice of surgical treatment for malignant tumors of the conjunctiva with orbital invasion - between exenteration or a minimally invasive procedure - should be carefully discussed with the patient. A follow-up of 5 years is strongly recommended.