Intraepithelial and invasive squamous neoplasms of the conjunctiva in Ibadan, Nigeria: a clinicopathological study of 46 cases.

Background/aims: To retrospectively evaluate the clinicopathological features, treatment modalities and factors affecting prognosis in patients with both conjunctival intraepithelial and invasive squamous neoplasms.

Method: Review and analysis of clinical and pathological records of all cases histologically diagnosed in the Department of Pathology, University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria between January 1990 and December 2004.

Results: There were a total of 46 cases in 45 patients (eight intraepithelial carcinomas, 37 invasive squamous cell carcinomas (SCC) and a single case of mucoepidermoid carcinoma in a 71-year-old man). The intraepithelial neoplasms occurred in patients aged between 20 and 90 years. Seven of these patients had actinic changes on histology. For invasive SCC, patients' ages ranged from 18 to 84 years with a mean age of 53 years. Male to female ratio was 1:1. The majority presented with an orbital mass and loss of vision. Twenty-two (60%) of the patients with invasive SCC had enucleation or exenteration as the primary modality of treatment with or without radiotherapy or chemotherapy. Altogether for intraepithelial and invasive squamous neoplasms, the duration of presenting complaints ranged from 1 month to 5 years with an average of 2 years. Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and smoking were not significantly associated with these cases but a significant number had outdoor occupation. Low socioeconomic status and inability to afford treatment was common among our patients.

Conclusion: Patients with invasive SCC in Nigeria present late and have significant delay before having any form of treatment. This contributes to the poor outcome. Human papilloma virus (HPV) and actinic aetiology are possible strong causative agents in Nigerians.