Journal of Clinical and Experimental Ophthalmology
Open Access

Abstract

Pterygium and Rate of Dysplasia in Surgical Specimens

Lisa L Sun, Sunil Warrier and Peter Beckingsale

Purpose: To determine the rate of ocular surface squamous neoplasia in all pterygium specimens in a 2-year period at a single tertiary hospital in metropolitan Brisbane. Secondary outcomes measured included the percentage of tissue samples undergoing histological analysis and the clinical suspicion of dysplastic change.
 
Method: Retrospective chart review was undertaken for all pterygium surgery performed between the period of January 2009 and October 2010 at the Princess Alexandra Hospital in Brisbane. The rate of ocular surface squamous neoplasia, number of specimens sent for histopathology analysis, and clinical suspicion of dysplastic changes at initial review was recorded.
 
Results: One hundred and five out of 166 pterygia removed were sent for histological analysis, and 14 out of 105 (13.3%) showed ocular surface squamous neoplasia. Age, gender and side of surgery were not significantly different between patients with histologically normal and OSSN specimens.
 
Conclusion: Our results showed a much higher rate ocular surface squamous neoplasia in pterygium patients than otherwise suspected based on clinical examination. This finding suggests the need for routine submission of all pterygium specimens for histopathology analysis, so appropriate post-operative treatment and follow up can be instituted.