Conjunctival Tumors: Examination Techniques

Conjunctival and corneal tumors are usually detected at a relatively early stage because they are so readily visible. Slit-lamp examination by an experienced ophthalmologist can usually provide a reliable diagnosis. All lesions, including their margins, should be documented photographically. Ancillary studies, such as high-frequency ultrasound, anterior-segment optical coherence tomography, and confocal microscopy, are being performed more widely. Definitive diagnosis of an ocular surface tumor may require histology, usually with immunohistochemistry. In recent years, genetic testing of the excised tissue has been performed in some centers. The scope of sentinel lymph node biopsy requires further investigation.