Conjunctival papilloma. A histopathologically based retrospective study

PURPOSE: To determine morphological and clinical characteristics of conjunctival papilloma.

METHODS: Specimens of conjunctival papilloma registered during the period 1983-1997 were collected. For each case the patient's sex and age, number of papillomas/patient, seasonal debut, duration, number of recurrences, localisation and presence of dysplasia andlor inflammation in the papilloma were registered.

RESULTS: A total of 245 papillomas in 219 patients were found. 132 (60.3%) of the patients were males. The age distribution showed skewness to the left with a peak in the age groups 20-29 years and 30-39 years. No variation of seasonal debut was found. 14 patients (6%) had more than one papilloma concurrently. 24 (11%) of the patients had recurrence. Most of the papillomas were located medially and inferiorly. 98 (40%) of the papillomas were inflamed. 14 (6%) of the papillomas were dysplastic.

CONCLUSION: The conjunctival papilloma is a common tumour. More males than females develop conjunctival papillomas and the incidence is highest among patients aged 20-39 years. The conjunctival papilloma is primarily located medially and inferiorly.