MUCOEPIDERMOID CARCINOMA OF THE CARUNCLE

PURPOSE: To report a case of mucoepidermoid carcinoma, a highly aggres sive variant of conjunctival squamous cell carcinoma. METHODS: We exam ined and treated a 57-year-old man with mucoepidermoid carcinoma of th e caruncle, a highly unusual site for this tumor. RESULTS: In the past , simple excision of this tumor has been followed by rapid recurrence. Our patient underwent wide surgical excision of the tumor and has sho wn no evidence of recurrence after 16 months of follow-up. CONCLUSION: Mucoepidermoid carcinoma may first manifest in the caruncle. Histolog ically verified, tumor-free surgical margins are necessary for complet e excision.