Surgical Techniques for Conjunctival and Corneal Tumors

A thorough examination with documentation of the clinical findings and systematic planning is a prerequisite to any surgery for conjunctival and corneal tumors. Clinical examination by penlight and slit-lamp biomicroscopy helps determine the extent of the tumor. Careful inspection of the entire conjunctiva with lid eversion should be performed. Conjunctival nevus, PAM, or melanoma sometimes has amelanotic component which should be noted. A large drawing of the conjunctival tumor replicating the extent of the lesion in the eye is used in all cases in the office and at the time of surgery. The drawing should include the extent of corneal involvement and the surgical plan. A wide excisional biopsy is performed to ascertain complete tumor removal, followed by histopathological examination to confirm surgically clean margins.