Editor,—Primary ocular non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) may be found in the conjunctiva, eyelids, and lacrimal glands, but the majority occur in the orbit.1 Most primary ocular NHL are of B cell origin, either of the follicular, diffuse small, or mixed cell type.1

According to the Revised European American classification of lymphoid neoplasms (REAL classification)2 the most common ocular NHL, arising from mucosa associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) and the marginal zone of lymph follicles, is included in the group of extranodal peripheral B cell lymphomas.1 Histopathological features of marginal zone lymphoma (MZL) of the MALT type consists of a diffuse and parafollicular growth pattern and the presence of lymphoepithelial lesions.2 The tumour cells express monotypic surface Ig (sIg) and sometimes cytoplasmic Ig (cIg) (usually IgM), moreover the pan B cell antigens CD19, CD20, CD22, and CD79a.2 Typically, they are negative for CD5, CD10, and CD23.2

Characteristically, MZL of the MALT type affects older patients and may remain localised for years,2 while disseminated disease involving bone marrow and peripheral blood is rare.2Localised tumours may be cured with local irradiation, whereas disseminated stages of the disease are not curable and transformation into a large cell NHL may occur.2

We report a case of conjunctival MZL of the MALT type with an unusual clinical appearance, an CD5+ immunophenotype, and a history of idiopathic non-specific anterior uveitis.