Squamous cell carcinoma of the conjunctiva in a patient with the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome.

PURPOSE

To alert ophthalmologists to the possibility of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection in individuals with conjunctival squamous cell carcinoma.

METHODS

We treated a 24-year-old patient with the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome who developed a limbal mass. The mass was excised and examined by routine histologic and immunohistochemical methods.

RESULTS

The histopathologic examination disclosed infiltrating squamous cell carcinoma with features of spindle cell carcinoma. Frequent abnormal mitotic figures were present in this neoplasia.

CONCLUSIONS

Squamous cell carcinoma with histologic features of aggressive behavior in a young individual should alert physicians to the possibility of HIV infection. Such patients may require frequent follow-up examination, even after complete excision of the tumor.