Malignant melanocytic lesions in clinically suspected pterygium - Report - MDSpire
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Malignant Melanocytic Tumors in Clinically Diagnosed Pterygium Cases

  • By

  • Rozina Ida Hajdu

  • Paola Kammrath Betancor

  • Othmane Touirssa

  • Claudia Auw-Haedrich

  • Thomas Reinhard

  • Simone Nuessle

  • September 1, 2026

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Clinical Report: Malignant Melanocytic Tumors in Clinically Diagnosed Pterygium Cases

Overview

This study investigates the occurrence of malignant melanocytic tumors in surgically removed pterygia, revealing that 0.30% of specimens contained such lesions, including invasive conjunctival melanomas.

Background

Pterygium is a common ocular condition often linked to UV exposure, traditionally considered benign. However, there is a risk of concurrent malignant melanocytic lesions, which may be misdiagnosed as pterygia.

Data Highlights

Total SpecimensMalignant Melanocytic LesionsInvasive Melanomas
2,2987 (0.30%)4 (57%)

Key Findings

  • Seven specimens (0.30%) showed malignant melanocytic lesions among 2,298 clinically suspected pterygia.
  • Four cases (57%) were identified as invasive conjunctival melanomas.
  • Patient ages ranged from 26 to 71 years, with a median age of 54 years.
  • Majority of patients were Caucasian, with two diagnosed individuals of African descent.
  • Histopathological assessment is essential for all excised pterygia to identify potential malignancies.

Clinical Implications

Histopathological evaluation of pterygia is necessary to rule out malignant lesions.

Conclusion

This research reports the occurrence of malignant melanocytic tumors in clinically diagnosed pterygia, emphasizing the need for thorough histopathological examination.

Related Resources & Content

  1. Ophthalmology Management, 2021 -- Keeping it spotless
  2. Ophthalmology Management, 2025 -- Effective Treatment of Pterygium
  3. Contact Lens Spectrum, 2025 -- Managing Pterygium with Contact Lenses
  4. Frontiers in Oncology, 2026 -- Case Report: Penile malignant melanoma
  5. IARC Publications Website, 2026 -- Eye and Orbit Tumours
  6. Conjunctival Melanoma: Current Management - PubMed
  7. Prevalence of co-existent neoplasia in clinically diagnosed pterygia in a UK population | Eye
  8. IARC Publications Website - Eye and Orbit Tumours
  9. Conjunctival Melanoma: Current Management - PubMed
  10. Prevalence of co-existent neoplasia in clinically diagnosed pterygia in a UK population | Eye

Original Source(s)

Malignant melanocytic lesions in clinically suspected pterygium

  • by Rozina Ida Hajdu, Paola Kammrath Betancor, Othmane Touirssa, Claudia Auw-Haedrich, Thomas Reinhard, Simone Nuessle

  • September 1, 2026

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