Conjunctival Melanoma: A Clinico-Pathologic Review

Conjunctival melanoma is a rare but life-threatening malignancy that arises from melanocytes in the basal layer of the conjunctival membrane.It only accounts for 2% of ocular melanomas.Its genetic makeup is distinct from uveal melanoma.It has more similarities to cutaneous melanoma in both patterns of spread and genetics.It predominantly affects Caucasians and the elderly.It arises most commonly from primary acquired melanosis but can also arise from a pre-existing conjunctival naevus or de novo.This review aims to outline the predisposing conditions, epidemiology, survival, histology, genetics, and current therapy for practising pathologists who may have limited experience with this tumour type.