Conjunctival Lymphoma

Conjunctival lymphoma, a neoplasm of lymphocytes, has been described in both dogs and cats. An owner often first presents the animal because of an ocular change, and examination then reveals generalized disease because conjunctival lymphoma may represent metastasis from another primary site. According to the source, ocular manifestations involving any ocular structure, not only the conjunctiva, occur in 37% of affected animals regardless of the primary site of lymphoma. This is described as the second most common clinical manifestation after lymph-node enlargement.

The conjunctiva can also be the site of primary lymphoma, although this is extremely rare. Lymphoma may appear on the conjunctiva as a growing, oval, smooth or multinodular pink mass.

Treatment

Diagnosis is established by histopathologic examination. In addition to complete blood count and serum biochemistry testing, lymph nodes should be evaluated by aspiration or biopsy, and abdominal ultrasonography and thoracic radiography should be performed. Cats should additionally be tested for FeLV and FIV. Treatment consists of individually selected systemic chemotherapy and topical corticosteroid therapy. The source also mentions newer approaches involving T- and B-cell monoclonal antibodies, anti-CD20 monoclonal antibodies, and ImmuneFX cancer vaccines.

Conjunctival lymphoma in a dog.

Conjunctival lymphoma in a dog. The same dog as in the previous figure. Lymphoma may have a unilateral manifestation.

Adapted from the Atlas of Ocular Diseases in Dogs and Cats by Dr. Siniša D. Grozdanić and colleagues. © Animal Eye Consultants of Iowa. The text and clinical images on this page are original content from the authors' own clinical practice and research, and may not be reproduced, distributed, or repurposed without permission.

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