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Conjunctival nevus: causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment
Last reviewed: 07.07.2025
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[ Symptoms of conjunctival nevus
Conjunctival nevus usually appears in the first or second decade of life as local irritations or pigment deposits. A single, sharply demarcated, flat or slightly elevated intraepithelial formation that moves freely along the scleral surface. Cystic spaces within the nevus are common.
The degree of pigmentation varies, and some nevi may be virtually unpigmented.
Pigmented nevi always have shades of brown: from reddish-brown to dark chocolate color.
During prepuberty, the birthmark may enlarge and become more pigmented.
Symptoms of potential malignant transformation of a conjunctival nevus
- Unusual location: eyelids or conjunctival fornices.
- Spread to the cornea.
- Sudden increase in pigmentation or growth.
- Development of vascularization (except during puberty).
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How to examine?
Treatment of conjunctival nevus
Treatment of conjunctival nevus is performed by excision, mainly for cosmetic reasons. Less common indications are irritation and suspicion of malignant degeneration of the nevus.