Abstract

We recently had a case of pigmented actinic keratosis arising in the conjunctiva, and this is an unusual site for the lesion. Most actinic keratoses are seen on sun-exposed areas of the skin, especially for Caucasians living in sunny climates. When these lesions are pigmented, they may resemble lentigo maligna. A 56-year-old man was referred to the ophthalmology clinic for a pigmented conjunctival lesion. An ophthalmologic examination revealed multiple dark brown-colored, linear or irregular shaped patches located on the lateral side of the conjunctiva in his right eye, partially covering the cornea, and this made a clinical differentiation from other possible pigmented lesions somewhat difficult. A histologic examination of the subsequent biopsy specimen demonstrated acanthosis with melanocytes containing heavy melanin, scattered dyskeratotic cells, atypical keratinocytes, and solar elastosis, and all of their findings are consistent with pigmented actinic keratosis.

• Keywords: Dermatitis, actinic;Keratosis;Conjunctiva