Answer
Answer
Together with mucus-secreting goblet cells within the stratified epithelium, melanocytic cells are found in the basal layer of the conjunctiva. These melanocytic cells are of neuroectodermal origin, and melanocytic tumors may arise from these cells.
Theoretically, conjunctival melanoma may originate from primary acquired melanosis, from preexisting nevi, or as de novo lesions (that is, without any histologic or clinical evidence of a preexisting lesion). It may be difficult to determine the precursor lesion in many cases. [4]
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Media Gallery
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Conjunctival melanomas may be associated with primary acquired melanosis (75%) or may arise from a preexisting nevus or de novo. Reprinted from University of Utah, Peter DeBry, Kwok Li, and Nick Mamalis, MD, Ophthalmic Pathology: An Internet Ocular Pathology Archive, with permission from University of Utah Ophthalmic Pathology.
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Dysplastic melanocytes may invade beyond the epithelium into the substantia propria or into the globe or lids. Reprinted from University of Utah, Peter DeBry, Kwok Li, and Nick Mamalis, MD, Ophthalmic Pathology: An Internet Ocular Pathology Archive, with permission from University of Utah Ophthalmic Pathology.
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Conjunctival melanoma. Courtesy of Peter Rubin, MD, Director, Eye Plastics Service, Massachusetts Eye & Ear Infirmary, Boston, MA.
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Conjunctival melanoma. Courtesy of Peter Rubin, MD, Director, Eye Plastics Service, Massachusetts Eye & Ear Infirmary, Boston, MA.
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Tarsal conjunctival melanoma. Courtesy of Peter Rubin, MD, Director, Eye Plastics Service, Massachusetts Eye & Ear Infirmary, Boston, MA.
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Conjunctival nevus. Courtesy of Peter Rubin, MD, Director, Eye Plastics Service, Massachusetts Eye & Ear Infirmary, Boston, MA.
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An aggressive conjunctival melanoma with lid involvement. Courtesy of Peter Rubin, MD, Director, Eye Plastics Service, Massachusetts Eye & Ear Infirmary, Boston, MA.
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Large conjunctival melanoma that has invaded the orbit. Courtesy of Peter Rubin, MD, Director, Eye Plastics Service, Massachusetts Eye & Ear Infirmary, Boston, MA.
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Histologic findings of invasive melanoma cells may be small polyhedral, epithelioid, spindled, or ballooned. Courtesy of Peter Rubin, MD, Director, Eye Plastics Service, Massachusetts Eye & Ear Infirmary, Boston, MA.
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Conjunctival melanomas. Courtesy of Peter Rubin, MD, Director, Eye Plastics Service, Massachusetts Eye & Ear Infirmary, Boston, MA.
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Invasive conjunctival melanoma. Courtesy of Peter Rubin, MD, Director, Eye Plastics Service, Massachusetts Eye & Ear Infirmary, Boston, MA.
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