Lymphoma of the Conjunctiva

Description
Lymphoma can occur in the conjunctiva. These tumors typically look like salmon-colored patches on the eye and can be a sign of systemic lymphoma. Eye cancer specialists usually biopsy lymphoid tumors and the pathologist is requested to perform special immunologic and genetic studies on the tumor cells. These techniques are used to determine if the tumor is benign or malignant.

The "Salmon-Patch" of Conjunctival Lymphoma.

Symptoms
Most patients notice the reddish discoloration of the surface of the eyeball (conjunctiva). As the tumor enlarges, patients seek medical attention. Conjunctival lymphomas can become large enough to displace the eyeball, and restrict eye movement. Eye movement restriction can cause diplopia (double-vision).

If the tumor extends behind the eyeball, it can be pushed forward (proptosis). Rarely, and if large enough, orbital lymphoma can press on the optic nerve and cause loss of vision. If discovered early, prompt treatment offers the best chance for recovery of vision.

Diagnosis
Conjunctival lymphoma is commonly differentiated as the less aggressive MALT (mucosa associated lymphoid tissue) or the more malignant-behaving non-MALT lymphoma. Differentiating between these two types of cancers can be difficult.

It is typically decided after a biopsy where the tumor specimen is examined and tested by an ocular pathologist. In either case, patients with lymphoid conjunctival tumors should have a complete medical check up and be followed by both their eye cancer specialist and a hematologist-oncologist.

Treatments
This depends on whether or not systemic lymphoma is detected. Should the patient be treated with systemic chemotherapy, no additional treatment may be necessary. If the conjunctival tumor is the only site of disease, most patients with malignant conjunctival lymphoma are treated with external beam radiation therapy.

Several studies are currently being performed investigating the use of topical chemotherapy agents, systemic antibiotics and observation without treatment for MALT-type lymphoma.

Related Links
Search for Scientific Articles on Conjunctival Lymphoma

Search Conjunctiva Lymphoma on the Internet

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