Late recurrences and the necessity for long-term follow-up in corneal and conjunctival intraepithelial neoplasia

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of the study was to elucidate the natural history of corneal-conjunctival intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) and suggest treatment and follow-up guidelines. Methods: The records of all histologically proven cases of CIN at the Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital between 1979 and 1994 were reviewed. Results: Seventy-nine eyes of 76 patients had a pathologic diagnosis of CIN and were observed for up to 15 years. The lesion recurred in 31 eyes (39%) overall. There was no statistical difference shown in the likelihood of recurrence based on histologic classification. Complete excision was attempted in each case. In 18 eyes, dysplastic cells were evident at the excision margin...