Bronchogenic Squamous Cell Carcinoma Presenting as Cicatrizing Conjunctivitis

• Published in: Cornea Vol. 25; no. 5; pp. 611 - 613
• Main Authors: Vroman, David T, Breckenridge, Rebecca Reid, Solomon, Kerry D, Sandoval, Helga P, Fernández de Castro, Luis E
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Copyright Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved 01-06-2006
• Subjects: Carcinoma, Bronchogenic - pathology; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell - pathology; Conjunctivitis - diagnosis; Fatal Outcome; Humans; Lung Neoplasms - pathology; Male; Middle Aged; Paraneoplastic Syndromes - diagnosis; Pemphigoid, Benign Mucous Membrane - diagnosis
• ISSN: 0277-3740; 1536-4798
• DOI: 10.1097/01.ico.0000196447.79817.ce

PURPOSE:To report a case of cicatrizing conjunctivitis as the initial manifestation of a bronchogenic squamous cell carcinoma.
METHODS:Case report of a 57-year-old patient with bilateral history of ocular pain, redness, and discharge, with no apparent predisposing factors. Examination revealed chemosis, pseudomembrane, and symblepharon formation, and multiple ulcerated pustular and vesicular periocular and perioral lesions literature review.
RESULTS:Skin biopsy was compatible with bullous pemphigoid. Two months later he developed respiratory symptoms, and a squamous cell carcinoma was diagnosed.
CONCLUSIONS:This case demonstrates cicatrizing conjunctivitis as a possible paraneoplastic syndrome associated with squamous cell lung carcinoma.