Conjunctival Papilloma 

  • Author: Hon-Vu Q Duong; Chief Editor: Hampton Roy Sr, MD   more...
 
Updated: Feb 11, 2010
 

Background

In general, papilloma is a histopathological term describing tumors with specific morphology. They take on a classic fingerlike or cauliflowerlike appearance. Papillomatous lesions often are lobulated with a central vascular core. Irrelevant of its cytology, a neoplasm of epithelial origin with this form of growth is also called papilloma. Papillomas can be benign or malignant and can be found in numerous anatomical locations (eg, skin, conjunctiva, cervix, breast duct). Specifically, conjunctival papillomas are benign squamous epithelial tumors with minimal propensity toward malignancy.

Conjunctival papillomas are categorized into infectious (viral), squamous cell, limbal, and inverted (histological description) based on appearance, location, patient's age, propensity to recur after excision, and histopathology. They demonstrate an exophytic growth pattern. Interestingly, inverted papillomas exhibit exophytic and endophytic growth patterns.

Conjunctival papilloma also can be classified based on gross clinical appearance, as either pedunculated or sessile. The pedunculated type is synonymous with infectious conjunctival papilloma and squamous cell papilloma. The limbal conjunctival papilloma often is referred to as noninfectious conjunctival papilloma because it is believed that limbal papillomas arise from UV radiation exposure. Because of its gross appearance, limbal papillomas are typed as sessile. Although rare, inverted conjunctival papillomas sometimes are referred to as mucoepidermoid papillomas because these lesions possess both a mucous component and an epidermoid component.

A strong association exists between human papillomavirus (HPV) types 6 and 11 and the development of conjunctival papillomas. Infectious conjunctival papillomas also are known as squamous cell papillomas. This term arises from its histopathological appearance (ie, the lesion is confined to the epithelial layer, which is acanthotic).

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Pathophysiology

Human papillomavirus (HPV) and polyomavirus are members of the Papovavirus family. These viruses are small (55 nm), naked, and icosahedral with circular double-stranded DNA. Papilloma viruses exhibit site and cell-type specificity, as follows:

  • HPV 6 and 11 – Benign skin warts or condylomas of the female genital tract and conjunctival papilloma
  • HPV 16 and 18 – Cervical carcinoma

HPV 6a and 45, two new subtypes, have been reported to be associated with conjunctival papilloma.[1, 2]

Transmission is via direct human contact. Proliferation of dermal connective tissue is followed by acanthosis and hyperkeratosis. HPV is tumorigenic, and it commonly produces benign tumors with low potential for malignancy. In general, prolonged proliferation may lead to cellular atypia and dysplasia. HPV type 11 was the most common and frequently found in conjunctival papilloma as analyzed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR).[3]

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Epidemiology

Frequency

United States

Literature reviewed yielded no published study outlining the prevalence of conjunctival papillomas in a cross section of a population. Interestingly, studies are numerous for extraocular sites. Prevalence of conjunctival papillomas ranged from 4-12%. A strong association exists between HPV and squamous cell papilloma. Moreover, the HPV genome is identifiable in most conjunctival papillomas and in 85% of conjunctival dysplasias and carcinomas.

Although no cross-section epidemiological studies are available, evidence suggests that people without overt clinical presentation may harbor the virus, and HPV DNA can be identified in asymptomatic conjunctiva. HPV types 6 and 11 are the most frequently found in conjunctival papilloma. HPV type 33 is another source in the pathogenesis of conjunctival papilloma. HPV types 16 and 18 commonly are associated with not only high-grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia and invasive carcinoma but also squamous cell dysplasia and carcinoma of the conjunctiva. The recurrence rate for infectious papillomas is high. Limbal papillomas have a recurrent rate of 40%.

Mortality/Morbidity

Conjunctival papillomas (squamous cell, limbal, or inverted) are not life threatening. Conjunctival papillomas may be large enough to be displeasing or cosmetically disfiguring. HPV types 6 and 11 may be transferred to the child during parturition from an infected birth canal resulting in ocular symptoms.

Egbert et al reported a case of conjunctival papilloma in an infant born to a mother with HPV infection of the vulva during pregnancy.[4] Those infected at birth may later develop respiratory papillomatosis, which may be life threatening. Direct contact with contaminated hands or objects may result in ocular manifestations.

Squamous cell papilloma, which has an infectious viral etiology, has the propensity to recur after medical and surgical treatment. New and multiple lesions may arise after excision. Recurrent conjunctival papillomas may extend into the nasolacrimal duct causing obstruction. Lauer et al and Migliori and Putterman reported a case of nasolacrimal duct obstruction after extension of the papillomas into the lacrimal sac.[5, 6] Most papillomas are benign. Rarely, they can undergo malignant transformation, signs of which include inflammation, keratinization, and symblepharon formation.

Age

Squamous cell papillomas (ie, infective papilloma, viral conjunctival papilloma) are seen commonly in children and young adults, usually younger than 20 years. Because HPV is associated strongly with this form of papilloma, siblings, including twins, also may be affected. Limbal papillomas are seen commonly in older adults. A slight association exists between UV radiation and limbal conjunctival papilloma.

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Contributor Information and Disclosures
Author

Hon-Vu Q Duong  MD, Clinical Instructor of Ophthalmology and Ophthalmic Pathology, Westfield Eye Center

Hon-Vu Q Duong is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Ophthalmology

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Coauthor(s)

Robert Copeland, MD  Chair, Associate Professor, Department of Ophthalmology, Howard University College of Medicine

Robert Copeland, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Ophthalmology

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Specialty Editor Board

Stephen D Plager, MD, FACS  Chief, Department of Ophthalmology, Dominican Hospital; Assistant Clinical Professor, Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University Hospital

Stephen D Plager, MD, FACS is a member of the following medical societies: American College of Surgeons, American Medical Association, American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, and California Medical Association

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Francisco Talavera, PharmD, PhD  Adjunct Assistant Professor, University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Pharmacy; Editor-in-Chief, Medscape Drug Reference

Disclosure: Medscape Salary Employment

Christopher J Rapuano, MD  Professor, Department of Ophthalmology, Jefferson Medical College of Thomas Jefferson University; Director of the Cornea Service, Co-Director of Refractive Surgery Department, Wills Eye Institute

Christopher J Rapuano, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Ophthalmology, American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, Contact Lens Association of Ophthalmologists, Cornea Society, Eye Bank Association of America, International Society of Refractive Surgery, and Pan-American Association of Ophthalmology

Disclosure: Allergan Honoraria Speaking and teaching; Allergan Consulting fee Consulting; Alcon Honoraria Speaking and teaching; Inspire Honoraria Speaking and teaching; RPS Ownership interest Other; Vistakon Honoraria Speaking and teaching; EyeGate Pharma Consulting; Inspire Consulting fee Consulting; Bausch & Lomb Honoraria Speaking and teaching; Bausch & Lomb Consulting fee Consulting

Lance L Brown, OD, MD  Ophthalmologist, Affiliated With Freeman Hospital and St John's Hospital, Regional Eye Center, Joplin, Missouri

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Chief Editor

Hampton Roy Sr, MD  Associate Clinical Professor, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences

Hampton Roy Sr, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Ophthalmology, American College of Surgeons, and Pan-American Association of Ophthalmology

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

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