[Pyogenic granuloma developing rapidly after excision of corneal/conjunctival intraepithelial neoplasia].

Background: Pyogenic granuloma is a benign tumor presenting with a smooth hemorrhagic surface that develops on the ocular surface after trauma or ophthalmic surgery. Abnormal wound healing due to physical and/or chemical stimulation may contribute to the pathogenesis of the tumor. We herein report the usefulness of brushing cytology for diagnosis of pyogenic granuloma, which rapidly developed after surgical resection of corneal/conjunctial intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN).

Case: A 70-year-old man presented with a flat tumor on the left lower conjunctiva in conjunction with the cornea. The patient underwent excision of the tumor and cryotherapy. The primary tumor was histologically diagnosed with CIN. A hemorrhagic mass developed on the conjunctiva one month after the excision. Brushing cytology demonstrated vascular endothelial cells with spindle-shaped nuclei mixed with prominent neutrophils without abnormal squamous epithelial cells. The secondary tumor was diagnosed as pyogenic granuloma.

Conclusions: It is possible to diagnose a secondary tumor based on information of the clinical course, slit-lamp examination and brushing cytology before the excision of CIN.