Report of a case of malignant melanoma of the limbus (30-thy years of observation).

PURPOSE: To describe a case of a malignant melanoma of the limbus.

MATERIAL AND

METHODS

A 49-year-old female patient with a suspected malignant limbic melanoma in the left eye. The first signs appeared in 1975, manifested as reddening of the left eye on the temporal side with markedly dilated conjunctival vessels. In 1993, the lesion became pigmented and nine years later its progression was noted. In May 2003, lamellar keratoplasty of the left eye was performed under general anaesthesia.

RESULTS

Histologic assessment--spindle cell malignant melanoma. The entire tumour was resected and the cosmetic result was very good. The results of accessory diagnostic studies were within normal limits. Over a 28-month follow-up period no local recurrence or metastases to other sites were observed.

CONCLUSION

Patients with discoloration of the conjunctivae should be regularly evaluated by an ophthalmologist and an oncologist.