BACKGROUND: Orbital squamous cell carcinoma following retinal detachment surgery is a rare condition. A proposed pathogenesis involves implantation of conjunctival squamous epithelium at the time of surgery, with subsequent malignant transformation. METHODS/ RESULTS: An 81-year-old Caucasian man presented with a six-month history of a discharging painful red right eye. Ten years earlier a right scleral buckling with an encircling sponge exoplant had been performed. Examination revealed exposure of the sponge, and a large mass in the superomedial conjunctival fornix. Computed tomography revealed a mass invading around the globe in the region of the exoplant. Biopsy revealed squamous cell carcinoma. Orbital exenteration was performed. CONCLUSION: Orbital squamous cell carcinoma may arise following retinal detachment surgery presumably due to iatrogenic conjunctival implantation deep in the orbit.
BACKGROUND: Orbital squamous cell carcinoma following retinal detachment surgery is a rare condition. A proposed pathogenesis involves implantation of conjunctival squamous epithelium at the time of surgery, with subsequent malignant transformation. METHODS/ RESULTS: An 81-year-old Caucasian man presented with a six-month history of a discharging painful red right eye. Ten years earlier a right scleral buckling with an encircling sponge exoplant had been performed. Examination revealed exposure of the sponge, and a large mass in the superomedial conjunctival fornix. Computed tomography revealed a mass invading around the globe in the region of the exoplant. Biopsy revealed squamous cell carcinoma. Orbital exenteration was performed. CONCLUSION: Orbital squamous cell carcinoma may arise following retinal detachment surgery presumably due to iatrogenic conjunctival implantation deep in the orbit.