Unusual conjunctival melanocytic proliferations. Report of five cases and review of the literature

Abstract

Indeterminate melanocytic proliferations of the conjunctiva have both benign and malignant features that previously made these lesions nearly impossible to categorize in existing classification schemes. With the evolution of immunohistochemistry and molecular genetics, however, subclassifications have emerged that allow for a more tailored diagnosis and management. These conjunctival melanocytic proliferations include deep penetrating nevus, granular cell nevus, and nevoid melanoma. There remains a small subset of conjunctival melanocytic proliferations that defy precise characterization as nevi, primary acquired melanosis, or melanomas despite currently available ancillary diagnostic modalities and remain indeterminate. We highlight these unusual types of nevi and melanomas, with an update on their morphologic, immunohistochemical, and molecular genetic characteristics.