Interferon alfa-2b in the management of recurrent conjunctival papillomatosis

A 2-year-old boy presented with a recurrent strawberry-like reddish mass arising from the left caruncular region for 8 months. An incisional biopsy was performed elsewhere 2 months earlier, followed by an increase in size of mass, significant epiphora, and intermittent bleeding. On examination, exuberant exophytic gelatinous mass with multifocal origin was observed arising from inferior forniceal conjunctiva and caruncle. Clinical differential of multifocal conjunctival papilloma was kept, and topical interferon alfa-2b (INF alpha-2b) was started. No clinical reduction in mass or symptomatology was observed over 6 weeks. Excision biopsy with cryotherapy and subconjunctival injection of INF alpha-2b was performed over all foci. Conjunctival papilloma was confirmed on histopathology, and topical INF alpha-2b was continued in postoperative period for 3 months. At 14 months of follow-up, no recurrence, epiphora, or bleeding was noticed. We advocate a possible role of local INF therapy in managing and preventing recurrences of conjunctival papillomatosis.