Conjunctival T-cell Lymphoma: a Clinicopathologic Case Report

Objective: To report a patient with conjunctival T-cell lymphoma, an extremely rare entity.

Design: Single case report.

Methods: Based on clinical examination, an excisional biopsy and immunostaining were performed on the conjunctival lesion. For management, we excised and performed triple freeze-thaw cryotherapy to the involved area, and we consulted the oncology service.

Main Outcome Measures: T-cell and B-cell markers, and clinical examination of the lesion.

Results: Both examination and laboratory assessment revealed no evidence of systemic involvement. Conjunctival biopsy showed expansion of the substantia propria with an infiltrate of chronic inflammatory cells (including lymphocytes, plasma cells, and eosinophils), and prominent lymphocyte exocytosis with reactive epithelial changes. The CD-45 RO (T-cell marker) was strongly positive, whereas the CD-20 (B-cell marker) was negative. The T-cell receptor gene rearrangement was positive with beta clonality, confirming the diagnosis of T-cell lymphoma.

Conclusions: T-cell lymphoma is a rare but possible diagnosis of gelatinous conjunctival lesions. The oncology consultants were reluctant to treat the patient with systemic chemotherapy or radiation because extraconjunctival extension could never be documented. The answer to the question of what is the most appropriate treatment for conjunctival T-cell lymphoma remains unknown.