Case report reveals conjunctival squamous cell carcinoma in a healthy young female, suggesting importance of early detection.
Background: Conjunctival squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the most common malignancy of the ocular surface, typically seen in elderly patients with risk factors such as UV exposure, immunosuppression, or HPV infection. Cases in young, immunocompetent individuals are rare. Case Presentation: We report a 25-year-old healthy female who presented with an asymptomatic conjunctival lesion incidentally identified during routine ophthalmologic evaluation. She underwent complete surgical excision. Histopathology confirmed squamous cell carcinoma in situ with clear margins. Six months after surgery, no recurrence or local invasion was observed. Conclusion: SCC in situ of the conjunctiva in young patients without typical risk factors is exceptionally uncommon. The nonspecific nature of symptoms can lead to misdiagnosis and a considerable challenge for physicians. Early detection and complete excision offer excellent prognosis. This case emphasizes the importance of routine ocular examination and clinical suspicion, even in low-risk populations.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Blanco et al. (2025) studied this question.
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: