Lesions of the caruncle: a description of 42 cases and a review of the literature

Eye (Lond). 2009 May;23(5):1004-18. doi: 10.1038/eye.2008.316. Epub 2008 Oct 17.

Abstract

Lesions of the caruncle are uncommon. On account of the histological composition of the caruncle, which includes, in addition to conjunctiva, hair follicles, sebaceous glands, sweat glands, and accessory lacrimal tissue, the caruncle may develop lesions that may be similar to those found in the skin, conjunctiva, or lacrimal gland. Clinical preoperative diagnosis is very difficult and reached only in about half of the cases. The vast majority of lesions of the caruncle are benign, mainly nevi. Reported malignant lesions are very rare but can be potentially fatal. Although malignancy is clinically overestimated, any suspected malignant lesion should be excised and examined histopathologically by an experienced pathologist. This study presents the clinical and histological data of 42 consecutive caruncular lesions processed at our laboratory and reviews previously reported cases of caruncular lesions.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Conjunctival Diseases / pathology
  • Conjunctival Diseases / surgery
  • Eye Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Eye Neoplasms / surgery
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Lacrimal Apparatus Diseases / pathology
  • Lacrimal Apparatus Diseases / surgery
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Sebaceous Gland Neoplasms / pathology
  • Sebaceous Gland Neoplasms / surgery
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Young Adult