What are conjunctival tumours?

They are tumours that appear in the conjunctiva, which is the transparent mucous membrane that covers the eyeball from the corneal edge (limbus) to the conjunctival fornix. These tumours can be benign or malignant, pigmented or non-pigmented, and, in some cases, can threaten the patient’s vision and life. They, therefore, require early diagnosis in order for them to be treated appropriately.

What causes them?

Some conjunctival tumours are directly related to excessive exposure to the sun. Others, such as squamous neoplasia, have been found to be related to infection by human papillomavirus and HIV. Some melanocytic tumours (pigmented) have been linked to smoking.

How can they be prevented?

Since the sun is a risk factor, the use of glasses with filters can help prevent some tumours.

Although most conjunctival tumours are benign, some of them can be premalignant (precursors to malignancy). Undergoing regular ophthalmic examinations or visiting an ophthalmologist as soon as a new lesion appears are the best ways of detecting them early.

Since malignant lesions can recur over time, either in the same place, nearby or in a different location, once treated, they should be regularly monitored.

Symptoms

Conjunctival tumours are generally located in easily visible areas and produce a change in the colour or texture of an area of the conjunctiva (either by the presence of a dark pigment or blood vessels) or appear as lumps or lesions.

They can occasionally be located in places where they can initially go unnoticed, before being diagnosed during a routine eye examination.

Some can increase in size and cause eye irritation and discomfort. Some of the symptoms associated with conjunctival tumours include:

  • Foreign body sensation
  • Tearing
  • Eye irritation

Associated treatments

The treatment of conjunctival tumours depends on their type, location and size. Many options exist, depending on each case.

Most symptomatic benign tumours can be managed with regular monitoring. If they are symptomatic, they can be treated.

Malignant tumours require treatment, which can include small incision surgery, cryotherapy (freezing treatment), topical chemotherapy and sometimes radiation therapy.

IMO Institute of Ocular Microsurgery

Josep María Lladó, 3
08035 Barcelona
Phone: (+34) 934 000 700
E-mail: international@imo.es
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By car

GPS navigator coordinates:
41º 24’ 38” N – 02º 07’ 29” E

Exit 7 of the Ronda de Dalt (mountain side). The clinic has a car park with more than 200 parking spaces.

By bus

Autobus H2: Rotonda de Bellesguard, parada 1540

Autobus 196: Josep Maria Lladó-Bellesguard, parada 3191

Autobuses H2, 123, 196: Ronda de Dalt – Bellesguard, parada 0071

IMO Madrid

C/ Valle de Pinares Llanos, 3
28035 Madrid
Phone: (+34) 910 783 783
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Public transport

Metro Lacoma (líne 7)
Autobuses:

  • Lines 49 & 64, stop “Senda del Infante”
  • Line N21, stop “Metro Lacoma”

Timetables

Patient care:
Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

IMO Andorra

Av. de les Nacions Unides, 17
AD700 Escaldes-Engordany, Andorra
Phone: (+376) 688 55 44
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IMO Manresa

C/ Carrasco i Formiguera, 33 (Baixos)
08242 – Manresa
Tel: (+34) 938 749 160
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Public transport

FGC. Line R5 & R50 direction Manresa. Station/Stop: Baixador de Manresa

Timetables

Monday to Friday, 08:30 A.M – 13:30 PM / 15:00 PM – 20:00 PM

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