Cystic Benign Melanosis of the Conjunctiva

• Type of Material: Article
• Authors: Philip W. Laird, Emory University; Maria A. Woodward, Kellogg Eye Center; John G. Williams, Dublin Eye Associates; W. Barry Lee, Eye Consultants of Atlanta; Hans Grossniklaus, Emory University
• Language: English
• Date: 2012-11
• Publisher: Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins
• Publication Version: Author Accepted Manuscript (After Peer Review)
• Copyright Statement: © 2012, 2012 Lippincott Williams
• Final Published Version (URL): http://journals.lww.com/corneajrnl/pages/articleviewer.aspx?year=2012&issue=11000&article=00010&type=abstract
• Title of Journal or Parent Work: Cornea
• ISSN: 0277-3740
• Volume: 31
• Issue: 11
• Start Page: 1273
• End Page: 1277
• Keywords: conjunctiva; racial melanosis; cystic melanosis; benign melanosis; epithelial inclusion cyst
• Research Categories: Health Sciences, Opthamology

Abstract

Purpose To report the clinical and histologic features of cystic benign melanosis. Methods This case series reports on the clinical and histopathologic features of three patients with enlarging cystic, brown pigmented conjunctival lesions. Results Slit lamp exam showed cystic melanotic lesions of bulbar conjunctiva. Histopathologic examination of the biopsy specimens showed epithelial lined cysts in the substantia propria, goblet cells, and secondary pigmentation of basilar keratinocytes. Conclusions Cystic benign melanosis, a unique conjunctival lesion, should be differentiated from cystic nevus and primary acquired melanosis (PAM).