Squamous cell carcinoma at the national eye centre (NEC), Kaduna, Nigeria

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the conjunctiva most commonly arises in the limbal region, occurring particularly in elderly made who have lived in geographic areas exposed to high levels of ultraviolet-B radiation. 76 of the patients had diagnosis of ocular and orbital tumour out of which 16 were SCC. Thirteen (81.25%) of them were histologically confirmed. Recorded of the 16 patients were reviewed with respect to age, sex, occupation. Visual Acuity at presentation, and the type of treatment offered. SCC occurs at an earlier age in this series than in Caucasians. Most of the SCC patients were unskilled outdoor workers who may be exposed to high levels of ultraviolet-B radiation. High rate of destructive surgery for treatment of SCC may be due to late presentation. Nigerian Journal of Surgical Sciences Vol. 15(2) 2005: 62-6