Conjunctival Myxoma: A Synopsis of a Rare Ocular Tumor

Abstract

Conjunctival myxoma is an exceptionally rare, slow-growing, benign neoplasm of primitive mesenchyme origin. Forty-one cases of conjunctival myxoma from a literature review, including the authors' case, are listed. The usual clinical history is a painless mass appearing during months to years. Grossly, the tumor is a well-circumscribed, cystlike, gelatinous, yellow-to-pink, translucent-to-solid mass. Microscopically, the hypocellular tumor contains stellate- and spindle-shaped cells in a mucoid stroma with abundant hyaluronic acid mucopolysaccharides. Vimentin and α-smooth muscle actin highlight the spindle and stellate cells. S100 protein and desmin are negative for the tumor cells. Treatment is complete surgical excision, with no recurrence reported in the follow-up period. Notably, conjunctival myxoma may be associated with Carney complex, an autosomal-dominant disorder associated with skin pigmentation, endocrine abnormalities, and myxoma of the heart and eye. Physicians should appreciate this unique ocular tumor because of its potential association with Carney complex.