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Ophthalmology108 papers

Squamous intraepithelial neoplasia

Last edited: 4/15/2026

Overview

Squamous intraepithelial neoplasia (SEN) refers to premalignant lesions of the squamous epithelium, often found in ocular surfaces and other mucosal sites, characterized by abnormal cell proliferation with potential progression to invasive squamous cell carcinoma if left untreated 1.

Diagnosis

  • Clinical examination and histopathological confirmation are essential 1.
  • Biopsy is recommended for definitive diagnosis 1.
  • Grading systems (e.g., degree of atypia) help assess severity and risk 1.
  • Management

  • First-line treatment: Surgical excision is commonly used, often followed by adjuvant topical therapy 1.
  • Topical agents: Interferon α2b and mitomycin C (MMC) are frequently employed post-excision 1.
  • - Preferred postexcision topical agent is MMC 1.
  • Monotherapy: Some practitioners consider topical monotherapy, particularly with interferon α2b, though usage varies 1.
  • Special Populations

  • No specific recommendations noted for pregnancy, pediatrics, or elderly populations in the provided abstracts 1.
  • Comorbidities: Management strategies may need adjustment based on patient comorbidities, though specific guidelines are not detailed in the abstracts 1.
  • Key Recommendations

  • Excisional surgery followed by adjuvant topical therapy, particularly MMC, is recommended for managing OSSN 1 (Evidence: Moderate).
  • Consideration of topical interferon α2b as monotherapy or adjuvant therapy is supported by some evidence 1 (Evidence: Weak).
  • Regular follow-up post-treatment is crucial for monitoring recurrence and response 1 (Evidence: Expert opinion).
  • References

    1 Adler E, Turner JR, Stone DU. Ocular surface squamous neoplasia: a survey of changes in the standard of care from 2003 to 2012. Cornea 2013. link

    Original source

    1. [1]

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