Extensive orbital invasion by conjunctival squamous cell carcinoma in an anophthalmic socket: a case report

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Squamous cell carcinoma in the inferolateral aspect of conjunctiva of the lower lid in anophthalmic socket. Note subtle plaque of keratinazation. with no feeding vessels (white arrow).
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Published: Jun 21, 2026
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5693.djo.02.2025.10.002

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Vijay K. Selva
Discipline of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia; Department of Ophthalmology, Royal Adelaide Hospital and South Australian Institute of Ophthalmology, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
Yinon Shapira, MD
Discipline of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia; Department of Ophthalmology, Royal Adelaide Hospital and South Australian Institute of Ophthalmology, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
Dinesh Selva, MBBS(Hons), DHSc, FRANZCO, FRACS
Discipline of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia; Department of Ophthalmology, Royal Adelaide Hospital and South Australian Institute of Ophthalmology, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia

Abstract

We report the case of a 75-year-old man with conjunctival squamous cell carcinoma in his anophthalmic socket that had resulted from enucleation at age 5. He had a 6-week history of a palpable, right orbital mass and periocular pain. Examination revealed a right inferolateral orbital mass and keratinization of the inferior fornix. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed an extensive mass in the inferolateral orbit. Biopsy showed squamous cell carcinoma. The patient underwent exenteration with temporalis flap reconstruction followed by adjunctive radiotherapy. A metastasis to the right parotid was excised at 6 months. This case illustrates the potential for extensive orbital invasion and perineural spread by ocular surface squamous neoplasia in an anophthalmic socket despite minimal conjunctival signs.

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How to Cite
1.
Selva VK, Shapira Y, Selva D. Extensive orbital invasion by conjunctival squamous cell carcinoma in an anophthalmic socket: a case report. Digit J Ophthalmol. 2026;32(2). doi:10.5693.djo.02.2025.10.002
Issue
Vol. 32 No. 2 (2026)
Section
Case Reports
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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.

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