CONJUNCTIVAL MELANOMA IN THE BLACK-POPULATION

Melanoma of the conjunctiva is a rare, unilateral malignancy primarily affecting middle-aged whites; the annual average age-adjusted inciden ce rate is 0.012 per 100,000 population. Although conjunctival melanom a in the black population is extremely rare, cases have been reported. Melanoma of skin in blacks has a predilection for nonsun-exposed, non pigmented sites such as mucous membranes, palms, and soles. Primary ac quired melanosis may lead to the development of melanoma even in black s. Primary acquired melanosis in the black population may be difficult to differentiate from racial melanosis clinically and histopathologic ally. Early diagnosis through awareness and education can help improve the survival of black patients with conjunctival melanoma. (Surv Opht halmol 43:127-133, 1998. (C) 1998 by Elsevier Science Inc. All rights reserved.).