Abstract

Background: Most conjunctival papillomas are benign in nature. However, any long standing conjunctival mass should not evade the surveillance of carcinogenicity. Presented here is a case of a long standing conjunctival papilloma (HPV) that showed the presence of low risk human papillomavirus based on histological testing.

Methods: This is a retrospective review of a case of a patient with a longstanding conjunctival mass that was surgically excised. Baseline demographics, ocular history, and pathology reports are presented.

Results: A 48-year-old man presented for urgent care evaluation of a growth on his left lower eyelid that was itchy and bled intermittently with eye rub. Ocular examination of the lower eyelid revealed a large pink pedunculated mass on the palpebral conjunctiva. The patient underwent excision of the mass with conjunctivoplasty and ocular surface reconstruction. Histopathology of the tissue revealed the mass to be a conjunctival papilloma with positive staining for low-risk HPV types 6 and 11.

Conclusion: Although the chronic nature of the lesion reduces malignant potential, staining for low risk HPV 6 and 11 was present. Any longstanding papilloma warrants histopathology workup to help with appropriate medical or surgical management.

Keywords: Conjunctival papilloma, human papillomavirus, exophytic papilloma, conjunctival mass, conjunctiva