Conjunctival Melanoma in Childhood and Adolescence: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Background: Conjunctival melanoma is rare in adults and rarer in children. We systematically reviewed the presentation, diagnostic and management strategies as well as outcomes for conjunctival melanoma in children and adolescents. Methods: The following databases were searched: Medline, Embase, Web of Science and Scopus for cases of conjunctival melanoma occurring in children and adolescents < 18 years of age. Results: Seventeen studies with 32 patients (18 males) were identified. The median age at presentation was 11 years (range 4–18 years). Most patients were white. Most patients presented with a conjunctival mass or naevus with a recent history of growth or change. Excision biopsy provided diagnosis and management for all cases. Adjuvant chemotherapy and radiotherapy were also used. One patient had metastatic disease at diagnosis and 3 developed metastatic disease (range 1–10 months). Two patients died from disease and one was alive with metastatic disease. Two patients had disease recurrence. Outcomes were observed to be better where diagnosis was made earlier and “no-touch” excision biopsy was performed in an appropriate specialist setting. Conclusions: Conjunctival melanoma occurs rarely in children and adolescents. Surgery is the mainstay of management. The prognosis is guarded in metastatic disease due to the small sample size and limited follow-up.