Clinical outcome of advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the conjunctiva

Background

To evaluate the outcome of surgical management of advanced squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the conjunctiva (American Joint Committee Cancer—classification >III) and the rate of recurrences after treatment during follow-up. Second, to investigate the incidence of orbital exenteration during follow-up.

Methods

Thirty-eight cases with SCC >grade T3 AJCC were retrospectively analysed at a University Eye Hospital Munich. Tumour stage, type of treatment, follow-up time, risk factors and—if present—recurrence were documented.

Results

The mean follow-up was 24.2 months (22.3–71 months). The most frequent surgical procedure was local tumour excision (n=25 patients, 71%). Orbital exenteration was performed in 10 patients (28%). Twenty patients (57%) did not show a progressive disease during follow-up. Of the patients with primary local excision, 13 (52%) had recurrence. Average time to recurrence for all treated patients was 24 months in the mean (minimum 4 months, maximum 68 months, SD, 22). Patients following orbital exenteration had recurrence of disease in 20% (n=2). None of the patients with primarily local tumour excision required an orbital exenteration.

Conclusion

Advanced-stage SCC can be treated surgically. An extensive surgical approach is sometimes inevitable. Patients with surgical excision of advanced-stage disease should be reviewed closely as recurrences may occur and even after more than 5 years. However, on early detection, most of these recurrences can be handled by local excision.