Conjunctival and Corneal Tumors: Classification and Differential Diagnosis

Many different tumors, benign and malignant, can arise from a wide variety of cells in the conjunctival epithelium and substantia propria. Most of these tumors are easily visible and therefore detected early. About 90% of conjunctival tumors are of epithelial and melanocytic origin. Stromal tumors are rare and can originate from any of the conjunctival stromal components. As with tumors in other parts of the body, classification is based on the tissue or cell of origin of the tumor and the degree of malignancy. In many cases, the correct diagnosis can be achieved by noting the tumor location, the layer involved, color, consistency, size, shape, and other clinical features.