Conjunctival papilloma: a case report and a brief review of literature

BACKGROUND: Conjunctival papilloma commonly develops in infants and children. It is believed that the etiologic agent, human papillomavirus (HPV), gets implanted from the infected maternal birth canal in the conjunctival sac of the new borne while parturition. It grows as solitary or multiple pedunculated benign masses adjacent to the caruncle. It is uncommon but if growing in adults it grows on the limbal conjunctiva and could be malignant. CASE DESCRIPTION: An Afro-American adult male developed two distinct conjunctival growths on his left lower lid. One growth was pedunculated and the second one sessile. The initial diagnosis of ‘benign conjunctival papillomas’ was made. Patient was recommended to wait and watch. After about two years the neoplasia had doubled their sizes. Surgical excisional biopsy was performed for diagnostic and therapeutic reasons. The tumor beds were treated with intra-operative cryotherapy using liquid nitrogen and applying double-freeze-thaw technique. Histopathology proved the masses to be benign and caused by HPV. Recurrence and seeding of virus during surgical excision leading to multiple new masses are dreaded complications during management of conjunctival papilloma. Though a short follow-up, yet after three months there were no signs of recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: A brief review of literature is presented to highlight the fact that rarely such conjunctival papillomas may develop at unusual sites and in adults. We believe that the uncommon demographic and anatomic presentation of this case is worth sharing with ophthalmic community.