Conjunctival mycosis masquerading as melanoma

PURPOSE: To report a patient with a melanotic lesion of the conjunctiva that mimicked melanoma but proved to be a fungal infection on biopsy. DESIGN: Interventional case report. METHODS: A 75-year-old white man was examined for a 3-month history of a deeply pigmented lesion of the conjunctiva at the limbus of the right eye that closely resembled conjunctival melanoma. The lesion was completely excised. RESULTS: Histologic examination revealed fungal elements without evidence of tumor. CONCLUSION: Although rare, fungi should be included in the differential diagnosis of pigmented lesions of the conjunctiva.