Frequency of coexisting ocular surface squamous neoplasm (OSSN) and pterygium

Abstract

Introduction: various trials have reported the relationship between ocular surface squamous neoplasm (OSSN) and pterygium. Most of these trials have been done in areas remote from the Equatorial Line and describe varying degrees in the frequency of the association between these two pathologies. Objectives: to determine the frequency of OSSN in resected pterygia at the Fundación Oftalmológica Nacional (National Ophthalmology Foundation) and identify the risk factors and clinical characteristics predisposing to this association. Methodology: descriptive, cross-section trial. A pre-surgical classification and histopathology analyses were performed in resected pterygia of 93 patients to confirm the coexistence of OSSN. A frequency distribution analysis of the demographic data and risk factors associated with the occurrence of neoplasm was performed. Results: the frequency of pterygium-associated OSSN was 7.07%, with 28.5% identified as suspicious during the preoperative evaluation. Most occurred in females (71.4%), and the most frequent areas of work were: household chores (42.8%) and trade (28.5%). Exposure to oil by-products and cigarette smoking was 14.28%. None of the cases was associated with HIV infection. There were no statistically significant differences in terms of the presence of OSSN when comparing cases in terms of age (p=0.8), place of origin (p=0.6) cigarette smoking (p=0.4), leukoplakia (p=1.0), keratinization (p=0.137), or amputated vessels (p=0.137). Conclusions: According to the literature, Pterygium-associated OSSN was found in younger patients. Due to its high frequency and the non-association to other factors, the recommendation is to undertake additional studies with a larger number of patients for an accurate identification of said factors.