Advances in the management of conjunctival melanoma

Malignant melanoma of the conjunctiva is a rare but serious condition. Over the last several years, there have been important advances in the classification, diagnosis, and treatment of this condition. Recent cytogenetic and immunohistochemical studies are increasing understanding of its tumorigenesis. Diagnosis, although still made via histopathology, has been aided with imaging techniques such as ultrasound biomicroscopy and anterior segment optical coherence tomography. Primary treatment consists of surgical excision. But adjuvant treatments with cryotherapy, topical chemotherapy, and radiation therapy have shown increased success. Sentinel lymph node biopsy has shown early promise of detecting micro-metastasis. Long term follow-up of patients with conjunctival melanoma with systemic surveillance is necessary to detect recurrences and metastases.